Urgent Dental COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates

As the facts and situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to evolve, and in step with Gov. Newsom's recent Declaration of a State of Emergency, including the call for all seniors over the age of 65 and residents with chronic conditions to self-isolate at home, the California Dental Association is requesting the cooperation of all California dentists and issuing the following guidance:

The California Dental Association strongly recommends that dentists practicing in California voluntarily suspend non-urgent or non-emergency dental care for the next 14 days. As always, it is expected that dentists will continue to be available as needed for emergency care and services.

CDA does not make this request lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in "flattening the curve" in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus.

Our collective actions now will determine the spread of COVID-19, and this recommendation is being made after careful deliberation and in consultation with state and national public health experts. We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protective equipment critical for emergency dental care and frontline health care personnel responding to the pandemic. We recognize the gravity of these extreme measures and are sensitive to the economic impact of such actions. Rest assured that CDA will advocate on behalf of all dentists in California for economic relief packages.

We understand you will have questions about what to do next following this announcement. For the most up-to-date information and support, continue checking this webpage.

CDA Practice Support is also available at 800.232.7645 but is experiencing a significant increase in calls, so wait times may be longer than usual. On Monday, March 16, we will follow this alert with resources for communicating with staff and patients. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and share CDA's COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates with your social networks to circulate this news with our dental community.

Practice Support FAQs for Confronting COVID-19

For location-specific information, visit the CDC website for county-specific guidance. Additional information is available at the California Department of Public Health website.

Dental Office Closures [NEW]

Infection Control

Patient Screening

CDA Resources

Employees and Sick Leave

CDA will continue to keep members informed about COVID-19 on this page and in the cda.org newsroom. Members with questions may contact CDA Practice Support at 800.232.7645.

CDA Presents Event Updates

CDA is currently proceeding with CDA Presents as scheduled for May 14-16, 2020 and does not have plans to cancel or postpone at this time. We are closely monitoring the news with the health and safety of all of our attendees in mind, and will update our partners if the situation changes. Learn more. 

Are Root Canals Painful? Learn The Facts

You’ve no doubt either known someone personally that has had a root canal performed or simply just watched amusing YouTube videos of people after the procedure – but what exactly happens during one? Let’s go over the basics and hopefully calm any nerves you may have regarding root canals!

What Is A Root Canal And Why Is It Necessary?

A root canal is a procedure done in order to save a diseased tooth. When the pulp deep inside a tooth becomes infected, usually due to an injury or a severely untreated cavity, the bacteria can spread to the tooth’s roots, nerve, and beyond. When the infection spreads past the roots of the tooth, an abscess (a puss filled pocket) begins to form.

In order to save the tooth, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. The nerve is located inside a natural cavity in the middle of the tooth, along with the pulp chamber. This area is what is known as the root canal.

If you’re concerned about losing your nerve (in more ways than one) –  don’t be! The nerve merely provides the sensation of hot or cold; it’s removal will not affect the normal functioning of your tooth.

What Exactly Happens During A Root Canal?

With the help of anesthesia and access to the best modern technology we’re capable of, root canal treatment is typically no more painful than a tooth filling. With the question of pain out of the way, let’s focus on the actual procedure!

Normally a root canal is done within two office visits and is over after about five steps. First, a needle (don’t panic, this will only feel like a pinch) is used to administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth. A small sheet of rubber, or a dental dam, is then placed near the tooth to help isolate it and keep it dry.

Next, your dentist will use a small drill to access the inside of the tooth. Once inside, they will then use a file to remove any diseased pulp.

After the chamber is cleaned thoroughly, a temporary filling will be used while you wait for your permanent crown. Within a few weeks you will return to your dentist and finish your treatment by having the crown (or similar structure) placed on the top of your tooth.

Root canals are typically highly successful and many teeth that are fixed with one can last a lifetime. If you have any thoughts on root canals (or any root canal survivor stories) please leave a comment!

Dental Implants: What’s the Cost?

Dental implants can be jaw-droppingly expensive. But how can you know if your dentist is charging a fair amount? Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of dental implants and some ways you can save money on them.

Expenses:

Single Tooth Implants

The total average cost for one dental implant is between $6,000 and $1,500. This is the out-of-pocket price; it doesn’t consider insurance or dental plans. This cost includes the surgery and other expenses, like the initial consultation.

Multiple Implants

If you’re missing say, two to four teeth, the average cost is between $3,000 and $30,000. This procedure is generally only performed on those who still have a healthy gumline and healthy teeth on either side of the open area. The cost will vary depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, and the location of those teeth.

Full Mouth Implants

Replacing all your teeth with a set of implant-supported dentures can cost between $7,000 and $90,000, with the average cost being $34,000. If you only need one of your plates replaced it can cost between $3,500 and $30,000. There can also be additional charges based on how many teeth need to be removed before the dentures are installed.

Why is the Price So High?

The main reason dental implants can cost so much is that the procedure requires both a dentist and a surgeon. You may also need several appointments to complete each step of the implant process. Here are some of the other factors that can lead to additional expenses:

X-Rays & CT Scans

To get an accurate picture of your teeth, a dentist will need to take an x-ray or a CT scan. These images form the foundation of dental surgery. Depending on how many images are required, a scan can cost between $25 and $200.

Bone Grafts

A bone graft is a procedure a bone or bone particles from another part of the body are taken out and placed in the jawbone. This is only needed for those whose jaws don’t have enough bone to support an implant. The cost of bone grafts can vary based on the source of the bone and how much is needed. The bone can come from a cadaver, a cow, or be grown in a lab. This process requires two additional surgeries and hospitalization. The average cost of a bone graft is between $2,000 and $3,000.

Tooth Extraction

If you need any of your teeth removed before the implant is placed, that will cost extra. The cost of extraction will vary based on the length of the appointment and how difficult it is to remove the tooth. A wisdom tooth removal can cost between $75 and $200, while a non-surgical gum erupted tooth removal will cost between $75 and $300. A surgical tooth extraction, with anesthesia, will cost between $150 and $650, while soft-tissue removal or complicated surgeries can cost between $185 and $600.

Level of Experience

The best kind of professional for dental implants is a prosthodontist, someone who specializes in restoring or replacing teeth. A surgeon who’s still in dental school can cost an average of $500, while an experienced surgeon costs an average of $2,000. An implant procedure will also require an anesthesiologist, which can cost between $500 and $800 per hour.

Material Cost

There are three main pieces of a dental implant, the implant itself, the abutment (screws into the implant), and the crown (which attaches to the abutment). Implants can cost between $1,600 and $2,000, abutments between $275 and $450, and crowns between $1,000 and $3,000.

Location

Getting a dental implant, or any sort of medical procedure, in the United States is often much more expensive than in other parts of the world. Countries with more advanced healthcare systems, like Australia, Thailand, or Mexico, can provide dental implants at a cheaper rate.

Saving Money

Dental Discount Plans

Dental discount plans allow you to get discounts on all your dental services with no yearly limit. To get one of these plans, visit the DentalPlans website, where you can pick what kind of plan you want and view participating dentists in your area.

Dental Insurance

Many healthcare plans don’t include dental, meaning people must pay for additional dental insurance. Dental insurance costs an average of $1,500 a year.

Dental Schools

If you can travel to a dental school, you could sign up to have a dental student perform an implant procedure. There will, of course, be a certified professional overseeing the procedure.

All-on-4 Implants

If you need most or all your teeth replaced, you’ll probably need dentures, which can be expensive. An all-on-4 implant is a denture that requires only four implants, as opposed to 8-10. These can cost between $20,000 and $35,000.

Group Discounts

If you and a group of people you know need dental care, you could receive a group discount. It can be any care, not just dental implants.

Fundraising

Crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe can help you raise money for medical expenses, including dental implants.

Payment Plans

Paying for dental care with a monthly payment plan is possible. Since this goes directly to the dentist, it can be cheaper than going through insurance.

Government Programs

For both Medicare and Medicaid, dental care is not considered a priority. Medicare can help pay for some aspects of an emergency dental procedure. While Medicaid varies from state to state.

Alternatives

There are tooth replacement options that are cheaper than implants. These include dental bridges and partial dentures, these will last around fifteen years, and can be cleaned like natural teeth.

Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Does Medicare cover dental work? The short answer: no. The long answer: it depends, and you have plenty of other coverage options.

The question of, “Does Medicare cover dental?” is a common one. Medicare by itself does not pay for the vast majority of dental costs, including: dentures, fillings, cleanings, and tooth extraction. However, Medicare will cover pre-surgery dental exams and jaw/mouth repair. In addition, Medicare will also foot the bill for a hospital stay that necessitates dental work. Unfortunately, you’ll still be left to cover the expenses of the dental work yourself.

So what exactly is Medicare good for? Well, for starters Medicare consists of two parts: A and B. These parts together will cover the costs of “medically necessary care.” Medically necessary care entails any care that is designed to treat or diagnose a condition or illness. Due to this stipulation on Medicare coverage, things like dental and vision are often not covered by Medicare. So, does Medicare cover dental? No, but you should still be visiting your dentist regularly to maintain good oral health.

Now that we’ve answered the ‘Does Medicare cover dental?’ question, it’s time to look at your other options for dental coverage.

You have three main options when it comes to helping cover the cost of dental work: Medicare advantage, dental insurance, and Medigap. Medicare advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a popular option. You can purchase this coverage through a private insurance company, as long as you already have Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Part C covers a wide variety of things, from yearly dental exams to prescription medication. Dental insurance is another great option. You can purchase this coverage on your own, or through your employer.With this option, keep in mind that you might have to choose a dentist from a list of approved providers.

The purpose of Medigap is to offset the cost of things Medicare does not cover, like co-pays and deductibles. When you sign up for Medigap, you pay a monthly premium just like with any other insurance. Medigap will also pick up the remaining tab after Medicare pays for covered medical services. For this particular dental care option, you MUST already have Medicare Parts A and B.

So, what’s your best option when it comes to dental care coverage?

There really isn’t a clear answer. It all depends on where you live, your budget, and your unique dental history.

Prices for any type of dental coverage will vary dramatically from state to state, and provider to provider. So, here are some helpful resources to get started on your dental coverage search!

• Medigap Policy Search

• What is Medicare Advantage?

• Dental Insurance

Do you live in the Seattle, Washington area? Are you looking for the right dentist for yourself or your family? If so, contact us today! We can provide you with high quality dental care at a fair price.

Tooth Extraction: What You Need To Know About Tooth Removal

Sometimes learning about tooth extraction can be a bit like pulling teeth - however it doesn’t have to be. Let’s go over what to expect before and after a tooth removal!

Common Reasons For Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction, the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone, is a very common dental procedure and is necessary for a wide range of reasons. One common reason is that a person’s baby teeth is blocking permanent teeth from coming in and therefore must be removed. Wisdom teeth are also commonly extracted by, or during a person’s early 20’s, and sometimes all four wisdom teeth must be extracted.

Prior to getting braces some individuals will have to have certain teeth removed. While others may experience a severely infected tooth as a side effect of a weakened immune system caused by medication or radiation therapy. Whatever the reason may be, the results are the same - tooth extraction. So let’s go over what you can expect during and after your surgery.

How many Days of Surgery are there for a tooth extraction?

The first step to expect is a good one - anesthetic! Local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth, the surrounding gums, and your jawbone. You should never feel any pain, only pressure. During the simple extraction process the affected tooth is firmly rocked back and forth so that it's loosened for removal.

If you require a surgical extraction, the process is slightly more complex. This is necessary if your tooth hasn’t yet broken through the gum line. Your oral surgeon will make a small incision into your gum in order to access the tooth for removal. After that, the steps remain the same. You may also have a few stitches at the incision site if your surgeon decides it's necessary.

What Happens After Oral Surgery?

Once your tooth has been removed, you will be asked to bite down on a piece of gauze for 20-30 minutes to help form a blood clot at the extraction area (a critical part of the healing process). Some oral surgeons will prescribe pain medication if they decide it’s necessary, otherwise NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin) are commonly recommended to lessen any pain.

To decrease any swelling, an ice pack is generally recommended for the first 24 hours. Also, be sure to have someone you trust available to drive you home.

Once home, plan on eating only cold and soft foods for the first few days. Don’t use a straw or spit after surgery either - this can delay the healing process by potentially disturbing the blood clot. Another don’t is brushing around the extraction site for the first 24 hours. You can later clean the area by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after meals and prior to bed.

Typically the tooth extraction site will close up in two weeks time, but it can take an additional few months for the bone and soft tissue to regrow. However, the worst is over and you can now focus on your recovery!

DDS Vs MD (Dentist’s Education vs a Physician)

This question may receive some groans from dentists themselves (let’s remember that dentists have fillings too), but many people are not certain so let’s get to the root of it!

A Dentist’s Education vs A Physician’s

Simply put, yes dentists are doctors. Are they the same as a physician? No, but there’s a lot of crossover between the two. Both professions require a four year degree once a bachelor’s is completed, but a physician will also need to complete a residency program after they graduate before they can begin to practice.

Dentist do not have to do this. Once they have graduated and passed the required certification tests they can begin to practice. However, if a dentist would like to specialize in a specific area of dentistry, they would be required to complete a postgraduate program which may add years to their time in school.

If a dentist does decide to specialize they could be looking at up to a total of 14 years of schooling! Physicians can be in school for even longer if they too specialize. Not only that but both professions require continuing education so that they are up-to-date on everything that is going on in their part of the medical world.

It’s safe to say that both professions attract serious, intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated individuals. They most likely also share the same flossify regarding patient care and wanting what is best for whomever they treat.

Let’s Break It Down

A general physician can typically treat the whole body, while a dentist is specialized in oral health. However, a dentist is educated on the entire human body because of their extensive schooling. This doesn’t mean that they can treat you if you say have diabetes, but it does mean that they can easily connect the dots between your gum disease and your blood sugar levels.  

Pay Differences

Many people would assume that a medical physician would always make more than a dentist. This isn’t actually true. Family physicians and lower-tier specialists may actually make less than some dentists. The average annual salary for a dentist in the U.S. has a wide range but is not too shabby if you ask me!

So the next time you’re at the dentist, know that you are in the hands of a real doctor. I’ll leave you with a dentist joke – What does the dentist of the year get? A little plaque! If you have a dentist pun I missed or just a comment to make, please leave one below!

Root Canal: What, When, and How Much?

There is a lot of confusion and fear among the general public when it comes to the term “root canal.”

The goal of this article is to inform you on what exactly a root canal is, and to put to rest any fears you may have about the procedure. This dental procedure serves the dual purpose of both easing mouth discomfort, and improving the health of your teeth. A root canal specifically targets a tooth (or multiple teeth) that are decayed or infected. By going this route, you are able to save your teeth and avoid a costly tooth extraction. In addition, following a root canal you will be able to return to normal chewing, and be toothache free!

There is also quite a bit of confusion surrounding when patients need a root canal. While some patients will have no symptoms at all, the vast majority will have one or more of the following symptoms. Toothache or issues chewing are the most common (and painful) symptoms. You may also notice an increased sensitivity to hot/cold food, or inflammation of your gums. Injury to the mouth or facial region can also cause sever enough damage that a root canal is necessary. Just having a lot of dental work done over the years is also another prerequisite.

How painful is a root canal, and what does the procedure entail?

The biggest misconception out there about root canals is that they are excruciatingly painful. In reality, the pain level associated with the procedure is similar to what you would experience with a routine tooth filling. It is important to keep in mind that a procedure as important as this one will require multiple visits to the dentist.

1. The first step is to take an X-ray of your mouth to determine the severity of your tooth/mouth issues. This also allows dentists to detect any infections.

2. Then, once the afflicted tooth/teeth have been located, it’s time to get started! Your dentist will numb the affected area and make a small incision in your tooth to release any bacteria that has accumulated. During this time, the entire inside of your tooth will also be thoroughly cleaned, greatly improving the tooth’s overall health.

3. Now, it’s time to fill the incision site and seal your tooth back up. It is up to your dentist on whether this will happen during a separate visit, or immediately after your root canal.

4. The final step is having a crown or similar protective layer placed on the tooth. This process will keep your teeth healthy and intact for the rest of your life

What is a root canal going to cost me?

Luckily, this procedure is partially covered by the vast majority of health insurance companies! However, there is a wide variation in your actual out of pocket cost, depending on the severity of the damage/infection to your teeth and your individual insurance providers coverage. The rough estimate for the total cost of this procedure is $500-$1,500 for the root canal alone. You may need additional restoration to particularly damaged teeth following your root canal. In addition, the cost of a root canal can double if you choose to go to a specialist rather than an ordinary dentist.

If you live in the Seattle, Washington area, give Creekside Dental a call for all your dental needs! They were recently named, “Top Dentist” by the Seattle Met for the 3rd year in a row. Even better, they can handle all of your dental needs. From regular exams, to root canals, and teeth whitening; the experts at Creekside Dental can treat patients of all ages!

Trying To Find The Right Dentist? Learn The Basics Here To Get Started!

Finding a good dentist and one that is right for you, can be a bit like pulling teeth. However, it really doesn’t have to be – let’s go over the basics in this step-by-step breakdown of finding the right dentist!

What To Look For When Choosing Your Next Dentist

A dentist has a lot of roles (and cavities!) to fill. They should be someone you can place your confidence in, makes you feel comfortable, and is just plain good at their job! So it’s no wonder that trying to find a new dentist can at first seem intimidating. The following considerations may help in your search:

• How convenient is the office to get to from your job or home?

• How compatible are the office hours with your schedule?

• If you do have dental benefits, is the dentist a part of your coverage plan?

• Will fees be given upfront before treatment begins?

• What type of anesthesia is the dentist certified to administer?

• What is the dentist’s policy regarding missed appointments?

• How up-to-date are they regarding new technology and techniques?

• Where did they study and how long have they been practicing?

• If I have an emergency outside of office hours, has the dentist arranged for a referral?

• Will my dental record be recorded in a permanent file?

• If you’re comparison shopping, ask for an estimate cost of a few basic procedures such as a full-mouth X-ray or filling a cavity.

Let The Search Begin!

Now that you’ve brushed up on some basic questions to keep in mind during your search, let’s explore your options in finding your future dentist.

You’ve probably driven by plenty of dentist’s offices and seen their signs or noticed ads online or even on social media, but having so many options doesn’t make the search for the right dentist any easier. One of the best methods is to do it the old fashioned way – ask someone you know and trust for a recommendation. If you’re moving, you can even ask your current dentist for their suggestion.

Another tool at your disposal is the ADA (American Dental Association) website which provides a Find-A-Dentist option to locate a dentist in your location. The ADA ensures that its dentists stand by a code of ethics that in turn helps ensure that you are in good hands.

The Meet And Greet

If you have a dentist in mind but aren’t completely sure, schedule a consultation time to meet the dentist and staff before making an appointment! This isn’t uncommon so don’t be shy in asking for this. A dentist is going to be in your life for a long time and it needs to be someone that you are 100% sure about.

Doing this will also allow you to see how comfortable you feel face-to-face, how welcoming, warm, and tidy their office is or isn’t, and how friendly the staff is before committing. Be sure to also bring your questions on your phone or a print out!

If you live in the Bothell area be sure to stop by Creekside Dental and say hi!

Management of Geriatric Patients in Dentistry

The population of geriatric adults in the U.S. is on the rise and with this growth comes a need for special considerations regarding appropriate dental care.

Individuals 65 years and older are expected to represent close to 20% of the population by the year 2030. With this expansion comes an urgency to stay informed of the health challenges that come with aging and maintaining a patient’s oral health. More adults over the age of 65 have retained their natural teeth than ever before, making it crucial to provide them with the finest dental care available.

Considerations when treating geriatric patients range from physical and cognitive impairment to medication concerns.

Most older adults have at least one health condition that must be considered when helping them receive proper dental care. Hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the most common physical ailments.

Treating these conditions almost always involves the patient taking some type of medication. These prescription drugs typically lead to xerostomia, or dry mouth, making it critical to watch out for signs of this syndrome when treating a geriatric patient. They can cause cavities, a cracked tongue and lips, along with mouth sores.

Since a geriatric patient’s medications commonly change, a review of their current prescriptions should be done at each visit.

There are many simple and practical steps that can be taken to ensure a geriatric patient is treated properly and effectively.

Since many older adults underestimate the importance of maintaining their oral health, communication is key.

Many geriatric patients have some hearing loss so speaking in a clear and slow manner is encouraged. Being very thorough in explanations and demonstrating first hand how to perform tasks will aid them in their understanding.

Geriatric patients with cognitive impairment are at a high risk for many diseases and infections because they’re unable to correctly maintain their oral hygiene. While they’re at their visit it’s important to: limit any distractions in the room, maintain eye contact, smile, and speak in short direct sentences. Some geriatric patients may have dementia so not only educating the patient is important, but also their caregiver.

Vision loss may be present as well, which is why putting out large print magazines in the waiting room or on any prescription bottles may make the patient feel more comfortable. Not having the office lighting too dim is also recommended.    

Geriatric patients who have experienced hearing loss should be spoken to in a loud, clear voice that isn’t condescending. They should have a clear view of the dentist’s lips and be at the same eye level. Telling the patient before making any equipment changes and lightly touching them to gain their attention will help in communicating.

Arthritis is another common condition for geriatric patients. Recommending the use of an electric toothbrush with an extra wide handle or purchasing a manual toothbrush with an easy grip handle may ease their discomfort when brushing.

There’s a lot to consider when treating a geriatric patient, but being understanding and respectful will likely make the visit and the experience pleasant for everyone. If you have further questions or advice on this subject, please comment below!

Check out Our New Tooth-Colored Fillings Video!

We've made our fourth video, we hope you like it. Let us know what you think in the comments!

We are planning on building our YouTube channel, if you want do-it-yourself (DIY) tips for keeping your teeth healthy please subscribe!

When to First Take Your Child to the Dentist

You’ve just had a baby and the last thing on your mind is probably the dentist, but it turns out this may be a mistake.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the child’s first visit should be by the age of one or immediately following the first appearance of a tooth. You’re probably thinking to yourself, “But if their baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, what’s the point?” Well, it turns out there are actually quite a few.

There are many benefits to early dentist visits, ranging from immediate to long-term.

Your child’s baby teeth can remain with them until the age of 14, so maintaining their care is very important. Baby teeth allow your child to chew properly, are critical in speech development, and hold the place for their future permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too quickly, its place will likely be taken over by other teeth thereby blocking the proper tooth from coming in. A dentist can detect any irregularities and prevent this from becoming a long-term issue such as having overcrowded or crooked teeth.

Also, just because they’re baby teeth doesn’t mean that they’re immune to cavities. A dentist will be able to detect decay right away and prevent a simple cavity from turning into an infection.

Not only does an early dentist visit help your child’s dental health but it can also make future visits more comfortable.

Creating trust between your dentist and child is essential and when done from such an early age will lead to less fear and anxiety in the future. It creates a routine and gets your child used to the vocabulary, sounds, and the feel of an exam, along with the staff itself.

A dentist can set a cleaning routine for your baby or child that you can later monitor and teach them to do themselves as they get older. This creates a pattern that will lead to maintaining your child’s dental health.

Now that I know that I should take my baby to the dentist, how do I make it as comfortable as possible?

There are many simple and even fun ways to prepare your child for the dentist. A baby will likely be too young to be nervous and starting them at such an early age will make these steps even easier.

A great idea is to just take your little one to your next checkup; allowing them to see you will likely provide them with a sense of comfort regarding their own visit. There are many books and websites that also provide a way to explain the process to your child in an entertaining way. Another fun way to ease their anxiety is to play dentist and patient with your child, this will also get them more accustomed to the thought of someone looking inside their mouths.

This may seem like a lot of effort, but your child’s dental health truly does depend on you.

Please feel free to leave a comment below of techniques that have worked for you and your child or questions that you may still have.

Not Sure if Tooth-Colored Fillings Are For You?

Explore the Differences Between Silver and Composite Fillings

Just told that you’re in need of a filling? You’re not alone. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a whopping 91% of U.S. adults suffer from tooth decay and/or cavities. Tooth decay can be caused by genetics, bacteria growth, and even our public water systems can create an ideal environment for tooth deterioration.

Unfortunately simply ignoring a cavity will not make it go away. If ignored, it will continue to decay leading to exposed nerves and a whole lot of pain! Even more frightening than the pain is the danger of an infection spreading from the tooth to the jaw. In extreme cases, an infection caused from a cavity and ignored may lead to serious illness and even death. This is highly unlikely, but it is a concern and something that can easily be avoided with proper dental care.

Now that you’re aware of your need for a filling you have another decision to consider: choosing a silver amalgam filling or a tooth-colored composite filing. So let's get started and breakdown the differences!

Silver Fillings: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Silver amalgam fillings last a long time, but not without some serious drawbacks. They require the removal of more of your natural tooth structure compared to that of composite fillings. Most dentists agree that the less removal of one's natural tooth structure, the better.

Silver fillings also do not respond to temperature changes well. They will expand in size when eating something hot and shrink while eating or drinking something cold. These unnatural fluctuations in size make your tooth more vulnerable to future cracks and fractures.

Something else to consider is its appearance. Silver fillings are easy to spot with the naked eye. This may not be important to some, but to others this may lead to a self consciousness when laughing or smiling.

There is also a debate of the safety of having metal in your mouth from silver fillings, but there has been no clear answer about this concern.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are many upsides to tooth-colored composite fillings. One of the most important is their ability to move. They will flex and bend just like your natural tooth when chewing, leading to an even distribution of pressure which results in a stronger tooth that is unlikely to fracture. That is to say that they actually strengthen your natural tooth while at the same time preventing future tooth decay.

The fact that composite fillings requires less of your natural tooth structure to be removed, equals some great news for you - less drilling! They can be filled quickly, typically in a single visit.

Not only are they more natural in movement and less invasive, they’re also aesthetically pleasing. There’s no need to worry about showing your teeth when your fillings are the exact same shade as your natural teeth. Yes, they will need to be replaced after many years, but they’re highly durable and can even be repaired if they become damaged.

Tooth-colored fillings are also completely safe and although there is no solid answer on the dangers of metal, it may just be worth it to get the filling type that is known to be a 100% safe.

Still unsure of which to choose? Speak to your dentist about any remaining questions you may have.

How to Stop Grinding Teeth at Night Without a Mouth Guard

Teeth grinding, medically referred to as bruxism, impacts the ability for over 30 million people of all ages to get a good night’s sleep.

Currently, researchers are working on determining what the exact cause or causes are of this painful, and self-destructive condition. However, there is some evidence pointing towards both stress and anxiety as being huge contributing factors to teeth grinding. There have also been findings that point to substances like alcohol and caffeine as the culprits behind the issue. In addition, bruxism has been found to be most common in those suffering with sleep conditions like sleep apnea. 

Although mouth guards are often the first line of defense against teeth grinding, there are several drawbacks to using this approach.

The first drawback, is the actual price of these devices. The average cost ranges from $300 to $1,000 when patients go through their dentists to obtain a mouth guard that is customized to fit them “perfectly.” In spite of this customization, the chief complain amongst patients who choose this route is that the guard doesn’t fit right, is uncomfortable to wear, or further disrupts their sleep.

Finally, the biggest downside to mouth guards is that they don’t treat the actual problem of teeth grinding at its root. Instead, they merely treat the symptoms of it and protect an individual’s teeth. The actual teeth grinding is never stopped.

So, what are some more affordable and feasible alternative to the mouth guard?

There are a plethora of options to choose from. There is evidence to support that cognitive beahvaioral therapy can work to lessen an individual’s overall stress and anxiety levels, as well as replace bruxism with a more effective, less damaging coping strategy.

Speaking of coping methods, exercise of almost any kind has also been found to help those suffering from teeth grinding kick the habit. Specifically, exercise like meditation, yoga, or tai chi that focus on mindfulness have been found to have the greatest impact. Additionally, according to the Journal of Oral Science, eating more magnesium rich foods (like spinach and almonds) can help combat bruxism as well. Magnesium has been linked to play a role in both proper muscle and nerve functioning.

Overall, there are many solutions to help individual’s deal with and overcome teeth grinding at night without the use of an uncomfortable, pricey mouth guard.

From therapy, to exercise, and even just cutting out caffeine; simple lifestyle changes have been proven effective in overcoming bruxism and getting a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, decreasing your overall levels of both stress and anxiety can have a beneficial impact on other areas of your life as well.

Your overall mood will improve, you’ll feel empowered to tackle more challenges at work/home, and you will be the best version of yourself.

Check out Our New Teeth Whitening Video!

We've made our second video, we hope you like it. Let us know what you think in the comments!

We are planning on building our YouTube channel, if you want do-it-yourself (DIY) tips for keeping your teeth healthy please subscribe!

What are CEREC crowns and how are they different from traditional porcelain crowns?

Have you ever needed a crown due to a broken or cracked tooth or you lost a large filling?  Maybe you’ve had a root canal or needed to replace a failing crown.  Well there is exciting cutting-edge technology to be able to create a crown start to finish in one simple appointment without a mouthful of impression material.  They are called CEREC crowns. 

At Creekside Dental in Bothell we know how important your time is and how much you value your dental health.  We work hard to provide excellent crowns using conventional or convenient CEREC crowns utilizing advanced dental technology.  

What is CEREC? 

CEREC is a high tech dental device in the office that consists of both a computer and a milling unit.  CEREC (or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction) uses CAD/CAM technology (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). CEREC technology allows us to create your CEREC crown in only one visit.  The technology allows us to map the inside of your mouth and takes a scanned digital image of your tooth that is very accurate.  Your crown is then milled out of a solid ceramic block by the milling machine, polished, fitted and bonded to your tooth after it’s prepared by Dr. Moody.   

How are they different from conventional porcelain crowns? 

Chairside CEREC crowns differ from typical crowns in that they are bonded to the tooth the same day.  Conventional crowns require two shorter visits and require a temporary crown to be in place for 7-10 days while the lab makes a crown.  The patient will return for a second visit to have the temporary removed and the laboratory made crown cemented or bonded in place.  Also, CEREC restorations can often have a more conservative preparation of the tooth.  And not only is the one-day service a great benefit to patients, the time involved is not significantly longer than the two visits total needed for a typical crown.  Plus, the fee is not any different. 

Why not make all crowns using this technology? 

While CEREC crowns are definitely a great way to make crowns and a nice option to save time in the chair it sometimes makes sense to make a traditional crown.  Sometimes esthetics is more critical and we can make a beautiful Emax (lithium disilicate) crown for anterior teeth that is a very life-like glass ceramic but requires us to have our lab fabricate the crown.  Then there are Zirconia crowns which are a newer but even stronger material that we'll often use on molars where patients have a history of clenching or grinding their teeth or have had cracks in their teeth before.  And if it is a deep "prep" it may be difficult to get a good digital image of your tooth, often with replacing old crowns and then we'll make a regular impression for a conventional crown.   

Ultimately, we want to be able to offer some great choices to patients where few other dental offices offer these different types of crowns. At Creekside Dental we want to provide the best possible crown that suits your teeth and is either made with our exciting CEREC technology or made by our excellent lab and customized for your mouth to make restorations that last a long time for your strong and healthy smile. 

Like they say on the medication commercials "call your doctor and find out if CEREC crowns are right for you." 

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?

Have you noticed that even with good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing daily, your smile isn’t as dazzling as it once was?  You can prevent stains with proper hygiene, but things such as aging, medications, food and drinks can contribute to yellowing or causing other tooth discoloring.  If you’ve considered whitening your teeth you may have been wondering if the cost of professional whitening is high. 

But in-office whitening is one of the most effective and safest whitening methods out there.  There are many forms of whitening products including OTC (over the counter) products that usually contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as their primary bleaching material.  But the professional composition separates it from the rest and therefore carries a higher cost compared to over the counter options. 

Stronger 

As opposed to home whitening options containing lower formulations of their bleaching agents, professional whitening procedures are monitored and contain a higher concentration of bleaching gel.  This also leads to temporary sensitivity for this reason in some patients and some patients report minor tissue irritation.   

Faster 

Nonetheless, with the concentration of the gel being stronger results are seen more rapidly.  Within 2-3 weeks patients typically have a more noticeable change as opposed to OTC kits where they would notice a smaller change or would have to use the product for more days or weeks to get closer to the same result. 

Dentist Supervision 

One of the obvious drawbacks to OTC whitening is that no dental examination is required before starting treatment.  The ADA recommends everyone considering a whitening treatment to have an evaluation to determine if their teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.  An exam can help to determine whether the discoloration or staining can be improved and to check previous restorations and see what color mismatches might be an issue.   

Will my teeth be sensitive? 

Sometimes teeth can be sensitive after whitening treatments.  There are options to minimize the discomfort.  Using a sensitive toothpaste before or after treatments can be helpful.  Avoid whitening for a while and take a break from whitening for a day or several days.  And now many professional whitening products contain potassium nitrate to help minimize sensitivity of the gels better than previous products.   

Is professional whitening worth it? 

Once you've been seen by the dentist and have been cleared for whitening, choosing a method to use is a matter of your budget and personal preference.  If you're looking for fast results and a dramatic whitening effect, professional whitening is your best option. Go for it. Custom made trays can be made by taking impressions of your teeth and an easy to use kit can be ready for you in 1-3 days after. 

Coming Soon!

Welcome to our blog, we will be posting monthly, on the first and second Monday of the month.

So come back on February 5th for our first blog post!