We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  But, have you ever heard about raisins helping to keep the dentist away?

Raisins have been shown to provide many overall health benefits.  They can help maintain blood sugar levels in athletes, and the high fiber content can help regulate intestinal function.  Also, antioxidants are present to reduce cancer risks, and the potassium content can help maintain blood pressure.  If that’s not enough, the small, convenient packages can be excellent at controlling hunger. 

But what are the effects on teeth?  With all the sugar and stickiness, they must be toward the top of the dentist’s no no list…right?  Not so fast my friend. 

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Reception Area

Reception Area

Main Corridor

Treatment Room

Treatment Room

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

Hoover, Alabama Dentist

Birmingham, Alabama Teeth Whitening

Birmingham, Alabama Cosmetic Dentist ]]> http://www.greystonesmiledesignblog.com/2009/11/dentist-35242/feed/ 1 http://www.greystonesmiledesignblog.com/2009/10/teeth-whitening-hoover/ http://www.greystonesmiledesignblog.com/2009/10/teeth-whitening-hoover/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:44:43 +0000 http://www.greystonesmiledesignblog.com/?p=529 Tell me more about Deep Bleaching!

Low Sensitivity Deep Bleaching

What You Need To Know

There is no one-visit “fast” bleaching technique today that makes teeth the very whitest they can be.  The Deep Bleaching technique was developed by Dr. Rod Kurthy, combining and modifying several techniques; and is regarded as the most effective teeth whitening technique known today.  Dr. Kurthy’s Evolve Dental Technologies, Inc. Deep Bleaching products have been specifically designed to be used with his Deep Bleaching Technique, achieving the renowned Deep Bleaching results, but with much less of the common sensitivity and pain associated with other bleaching gels.  The Deep Bleaching technique gets teeth significantly whiter than ever.  Patients who previously were unable to bleach as white as they would have liked (because of “bleaching resistant teeth” or acute sensitivity) can now bleach significantly whiter.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Straighter Teeth, Healthier Gums, Beautiful Smiles

Ever wanted to straighten your teeth but didn’t want to wear braces?  Or, did you have braces in the past and now you have a few teeth that have moved a bit?  Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, is proud to offer Invisalign, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without braces.  The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move your teeth over time to give you the smile you deserve!

To read the rest of this article, click here.

With that said, teeth whitening still reigns supreme in cosmetic dentistry because it’s easy, affordable, and produces drastic results.  Yet, only 15% of the population has tried it, and the misinformation on the subject is widespread.  Read on for answers to your frequently asked questions, and the facts to disprove all myths.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Greystone Smile Design is a state-of-the-art family and cosmetic dental practice in Hoover, Alabama.  We are conveniently located in the Greystone Cosmetic Center, a one-stop-shop for health and beauty.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

I have a friend who went to a new dental office a few years ago and was diagnosed with 8 cavities, even though his last dentist claimed he was cavity-free just 6 months earlier.  Sound familiar?  This has become a big issue in the dental world because the diagnosis of most cavities (the ones that can’t be seen on x-rays) is very subjective – based on the expert opinion of the dentist at hand. 

There are two main thought processes on this topic:   

1)  The surgical approach – The dentist that diagnosed the 8 cavities may steer on the side of absolute total prevention.  Not a bad idea.  When stains, deep pits or grooves, or potential cavities are present, one treatment may be to remove these so that no future problems can erupt.  With the advancements in dental materials, these areas can be treated with minimal intervention and sometimes without anesthetic.  So the general idea is to correct the problem now when it’s easiest on the patient and the tooth, rather than waiting to see how it will progress.  This pro-active stance removes all doubt of future complications.

2)  The medicinal approach – The dentist that gave the patient a clean bill of health may have determined, through months or years of observation, that the state of the lesion was arrested and not progressing.  Again, not a bad idea.  Instead of grabbing the drill and immediately eradicating the problem, he gave the tooth the benefit of the doubt.  Prescribing a high-dose fluoride along with calcium and phosphorous supplements and giving specific oral hygiene instructions are prevention methods that may keep the tooth from needing invasive treatment (filling).  This conservative stance is termed “minimally invasive” and helps preserve healthy tooth structure.

Evidence supports both camps, and the final decision is solely based on the clinical judgement of the treating dentist.  The major problem is that when the cavity doesn’t show up on the xray, we really don’t know what’s going on with a tooth beneath the surface.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could determine the extent of a cavity and then treat it appropriately?  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could scan your tooth to see if you really need a filling?  Well now we can!

The company KaVo recently developed the DIAGNOdent to overcome these diagnostic limitations.  DIAGNOdent is a laser that scans a tooth for decay, giving an objective score based on the amount of demineralization present on the tooth.  It’s quick, easy, and pain-free!  It works on the basis of the differing fluorescence between healthy and diseased tooth substance. This allows us to detect even the smallest of lesions, without X-rays or exposure to radiation, and in a way that is more reliable than any other method.  It’s the best of both worlds!

Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, is proud to treat its patients with the DIAGNOdent – at no additional cost!  Visit our Hoover, Alabama office today!

Related Articles:

Teeth Whitening Myths Uncovered

Tired of Being Numb All Day?

Which Toothpaste is Best?

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Birmingham, Alabama Dentist

Requirements consist of:

- Completion of 500 hours of approved dental continuing education credit.

- Successful completion of the Fellowship Examination.  The exam includes material from all dental disciplines and strongly emphasizes clinical applications of accepted dental knowledge, techniques, and procedures.

The mission of the Academy of General Dentistry is to serve the needs and represent the interest of general dentists, to promote the oral health of the public, and to foster continued proficiency of general dentists through quality continuing dental education in order to better serve the public.

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

Other Noteworthy Accomplishments by Dr. Buchanan:

The Art of Endodontics Certificate

Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry Article

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Hoover, Alabama Dentist

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

New research is available showing how infection from the teeth and gums is directly related to illnesses in the rest of the body. 

Bacterial infections in the mouth can be a major factor in the development of several systemic diseases.  These new risk factors have disproven the fallacy that the mouth is a separate entity when compared to the entire body.   These findings also allow dentists and physicians to join together in treatment modalities for the betterment of their patient’s overall health.

Where does this bacterial infection come from?

The main source of infection in the mouth is from periodontal disease, i.e., gum disease.  Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by accumulations of plaque below the gum line, along with an aggressive immune response against these bacteria.  This process results in bone loss around the teeth, in which teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.  It is almost impossible to brush below the gum line, so a professional cleaning is required by your dentist or dental hygienist to remove these irritants.

The inflammatory response (the body’s reaction to infection) caused by the periodontal (i.e., gum disease) bacteria can have effects throughout the body, including damage to susceptible organs, arteries, and tissues. 

What kind of illnesses can these bacteria cause?

Research shows that diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can aggravate the glycemic (sugar) control of diabetics.  Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, oral cancer, pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, and low birth weight infants. 

What do I need to do to decrease my risk of disease and improve my overall health?

The first step is to see your dentist for a complete exam of your teeth, gums, and soft tissue.  If infection is present or you are at a higher risk for disease, your dentist may recommend a “deep cleaning” and/or more frequent cleaning intervals.  He or she will also discuss home care, diet, and recare/maintenance visits. 

At Greystone Smile Design, we have a specific non-surgical protocol for each condition based on risk factors and the amount of infection present.  Our skilled doctors and hygienists have the ability and technology to take pictures of the areas of concern, show educational videos on the flat-screen TV’s in each treatment room, and can generate a computer analysis of the teeth in question.  This is all done to teach you about the process of periondontal disease, so that each patient can be involved and understand the goals of the treatment planning process.  Referral to one of our top periodontists may be indicated if the non-surgical therapy is not 100% successful.

A healthier mouth means a healthier you and that’s something to smile about!

Related Articles:

Which Toothpaste is Best? 

What Every Mom Should Know about Pregnancy and Oral Health

The Health Risks of Gum Disease

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

7 Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are unfortunate tangibles of life and have proven to be inevitable in today’s active lifestyles.  The baseball to the face or the elbow to the lip usually happens at the most inopportune time, adding havoc to an already busy schedule. 

Emergencies, including injuries, pain, and swellings, can be potentially serious and should not be ignored.  The common theme in this post is simple:  SEE YOUR DENTIST!  But, what do you do in the meantime?  And, what if your dentist office is not open or you can’t get an answer on the emergency line?  Read on for information on what to do in these ill-timed situations.

At Greystone Smile Design, we see emergencies promptly.  Our extended hours offer convenience, and our emergency line is available 24 hours a day (877-515-SMILE).  From after-hours advice over the phone to meeting you on the weekend for treatment, our main goal is to be there when you need us.

Here are some quick tips on what to do for common dental problems. 

• Toothaches – First, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt to 8 oz of water).  Try brushing and flossing your teeth, removing any food that may be caught between teeth.  Sometimes, sleeping with an extra pillow or avoiding strenuous activity may be helpful.  Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as needed.  Never place aspirin directly on the tooth as gum tissue irritation may develop.  Periodic temperature or chewing sensitivity may indicate a simple solution.  If persistent, spontaneous pain is present, a more extensive treatment may need to be performed.  See your dentist as soon as possible.
• Abscess – An abscess is an acute infection that can form from a necrotic (dead) tooth or from bacteria in the space between the teeth and gums.  They can be serious, in that the infection can spread to other parts of the body.  To reduce swelling, apply a cold pack to the area in 20 minute intervals.  Your dentist can prescribe you antibiotics to treat the infection, but this will not treat the cause of the problem.  You must see your dentist for treatment to eliminate recurrence. 
• Chipped or Broken Teeth – Try to save the missing pieces.  Wash your mouth with warm salt water.  If bleeding is present, apply pressure by biting on a piece of gauze.  Remove the gauze when saturated (15-20 min) and reapply as needed.  Use a cold pack to reduce any swelling present and see your dentist as soon as possible.
• Lost Crown – If a crown falls off and you can’t get to the dentist right away, use an over-the-counter dental cement/adhesive or toothpaste  to help hold the crown in place and control sensitivity.  If you have no pain with the crown off, you may leave it off until you can see your dentist.  This eliminates any chance of swallowing or aspirating the crown.  Make sure you bring your crown with you to your appointment. 
• Lost Filling - If the area is painful, you can place sugarless gum or an over-the-counter temporary filling material in the area.  See your dentist as soon as possible.
• Extruded (Partially Dislodged) Tooth – Do not bite or chew on the area.  You may apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.  See your dentist right away, as the treatment for these injuries is time dependent.  Your dentist may need to reposition the tooth and place a splint to hold the tooth in its correct position.
• Knocked Out Tooth – Retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth), and rinse off the tooth root with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place, but never force it into the socket. If it’s not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk or place the tooth inside the mouth in the cheek area.  In all cases, see your dentist as quickly as possible. Knocked out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.  If the tooth can be saved, your dentist will reposition the tooth and hold it in place with a splint. 

Ignoring a dental problem may increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment down the road.  Visit us at Greystone Smile Design or call (877) 515-SMILE.

Related Articles:

5 Ways to Fight Bad Breath

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

Which Toothpaste is Best?

What Every Mom Should Know about Pregnancy and Oral Health

The Health Risks of Gum Disease

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design