Have No Dental Fear, Dr. Lopez is here!

Are dental fears keeping you from having a healthy mouth?

Are you afraid of going to the dentist?

Has it been a long time since your last dental appointment due to fear?

Do you have sensitive teeth and gums?

Are you immune to traditional methods of numbing techniques?

 If you have a fear of the dentist, you are not alone.  Research shows that about 50% of Americans fear the dentist. So that means there’s a good chance you’re the 1 out of 2 Americans who avoid going to the Dentist due to fear. There is hope- We’re here for you!!

One of the main reasons for dental fear is past experiences; whether it was anesthetic not working, rude/ uncaring dentist, procedure was painful, or learned fear from parents; we understand fear is fear…we can’t just snap our fingers and make it go away.  We recognize that we’re taught to learn from our past so that we don’t encounter the same negative experience again. What that then translates to is: never going to the dentist till extreme pain forces you through the door.

We want to challenge you: Come in to visit us. Dr. Lopez and our team care about you.  We are here to truly listen to you, make you comfortable, and give you a pleasant experience at the dentist. There seems to be a snowball effect that happens with patients who have a fear of the dentist where their fear escalates to include embarrassment.  We are not here to judge you but to help you.  Whether you just haven’t found the right “fit” or you need that extra TLC with Nitrous or oral sedation, we can help.

Our goal is to give you the smile you've dreamed of and deserve, while offering a unique team who is gentle and passionate about changing the stereotypical concept of fear, pain, and embarrassment that normally is thought of when you hear 'DENTIST'.

To learn more about us, visit our website or Request an Appointment

Hope to see you soon!

New Technology for Posterior Resin Fillings

Here at Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC  we are always embracing new science and technologies.  We have recently adapted this New Sonic technology for placing resin or composite filling on the posterior teeth.

Some of the advantages are:

• Easy of placement
• Better adaptation to the tooth
• Greater density
• Greater wearability
• Great aesthetics and polishability
• Faster placement

And.... Better and Easier for the patient!!!

I've included a video of Sonicfill's ease of use below:

We are Very Excited about this new edition to our "Science and Art" centered practice.

Request an appointment with Dr. Jay R. Lopez, DDS or visit our website at www.DentistryInTucson.com  (520)886-8090

Your Mouth, Your Overall Health, and DNA Testing

Our Dental Team is committed to staying abreast of current research in Dentistry. In the interest of good health, please be aware of the latest research regarding periodontal disease, heart disease, chronic infections and other related health issues...

INFECTIONS GO BODY-WIDE

More than 400 species of bacteria live in the human mouth, where some can infect the gums and underlying bone that support the teeth.

Studies show that teeth are not the only organs endangered by this oral disease. Infections in the tissues of the mouth are easily spread into the bloodstream. Even brushing, flossing and chewing can prompt body-wide invasion when periodontal disease is advanced. Recent research is yielding some frightening links to such problems as HEART DISEASE, STROKES, DIABETES, PNEUMONIA and PREMATURE BIRTHS AND LOW BIRTHWEIGHT BABIES.

WHAT YOU CAN DO 

Of course, prevention is always the best bet. Prevention means establishing a routine of daily brushing and flossing and a professional periodontal cleaning every 3 to 6 months, dependent on an individual’s periodontal health and risks. Keep in mind that early stages of periodontal disease often produce no symptoms. 

DNA TESTING

Having detailed information about your genetic susceptibility (MyPerioID® PST®) and the bacteria that are present in our mouth (MyPerioPath®) will be critical in determining your oral and overall general health.

Introducing MyPerioPath®: This test indentifies and measures certain bacteria in your mouth that cause gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and periodontal disease (mature gum disease).

Introducing MyPerioID® PST®: This test determines if you are more likely to develop more serious gum tissue infections, such as inflammatory periodontal disease.

TESTS EASILY DONE IN-OFFICE

These new, quick, and non-invasive tests deliver information that will enable Dr. Jay R. Lopez, DDS to better determine the appropriate treatment plan tailored to your personal needs.

Request an appointment with Dr. Jay R. Lopez, DDS about "The Oral-Systemic Connection" or visit our website at www.DentistryInTucson.com  (520)886-8090

Naked and Exposed...You don't have to be!

Have you ever felt pain from extreme sensitivity? Cringed while brushing? Felt embarrassed from the show of your gums receding? If you've answered “yes” to any of these questions or know someone who is having these issues- I've got GREAT news for you! You no longer need to 'grin and bear it' like we've heard people say. Dr. Jay Lopez has the solution.

Each tooth is fully “dressed” with gum tissue. Gum recession leaves the root surface naked and exposes the root to the environment which can cause additional problems. The prevalence of gum recession in the United States alone is 22.5% of our adult population (age = 30 years). The prevalence, extent, and severity go up with age. The problems caused by gum recession are root hypersensitivity, unfavorable esthetics, increased susceptibility to root decay, and bone loss (1mm of recession = 1mm of bone loss) to name a few.

There may be many factors on why you have gum recession. Some of the most common factors of gum recession are: periodontal disease (gum disease), hard bristled brush used, rough brushing, or excessive force applied to the teeth while clenching and grinding. We would recommend coming in to see Dr. Lopez and his highly trained staff to receive personalized information. Based on the diagnosis we will customize a treatment plan that is tailer made.

A procedure called a Connective Tissue Graft can be done to cover the exposed root surfaces. This procedure is done by utilizing either tissue from the roof of your mouth or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to repair your gum line, reduce sensitivity, and improve aesthetics. A soft tissue graft can reduce, and in some cases eliminate, further recession and bone loss.

We've heard patients ask, “Doc, I don't have any pain and the tooth doesn't show. Why should I fix it?”

Here at Aspen Dental we base all our recommendations on science. Whether something hurts or not should never be the driving force behind what's important (though pain is always a motivator, we never wish pain on anyone). Sites with recession are prone to progression! You are at a 67% increased risk of future recession if there is 3mm of recession and 98% if there is 4mm of recession. These statistics are huge. At every cleaning our hygienists, Kelly and Crystal, review your probing measurements and check recession. As previously mentioned, our gums and bone are closely related. If you're losing one, it is guaranteed you're losing the other. The bone is the foundation that allows us to keep our teeth. We desire everyone to keep their natural smile for life!

Request an appointment and then come in and talk with Dr. Lopez about what we can do for you.

www.DentistryInTucson.com

(520)886-8090

Cracking the Cracked Tooth Code!!!

Cracking the Cracked Tooth Code!!!

What is a Cracked Tooth? There are many different types of cracked teeth. The treatment and prognosis depends on the type, location and extent of the crack. "Cracked Tooth Syndrome" is the name given to the complex and often bizarre set of symptoms that accompany teeth with different types of cracks.

Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms: including erratic pain when chewing, pain with release of biting pressure, and/or pain to change in temperature. In many cases, the pain may come and go and it may be difficult to locate which tooth is causing the discomfort. Cracks and fracture lines seldom show up on x-rays.

Early diagnosis is extremely important. Like cracks in a windshield, cracks in teeth often start small and progress slowly. The sooner a crack is detected and treated, the better the chance of saving your tooth. Dr. Lopez's training and experience can be invaluable when a cracked tooth is suspected.

Although we become more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome as we age, there are other factors which can increase the risk:

• Clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism) increases the stress and pressure on your premolars and molars.
• Bad habits such as eating ice, chewing on pencils or eating hard foods
• Large fillings could weaken the tooth, making them more vulnerable to fractures

Fortunately, there is treatment—and early diagnosis is key! 

Types of Cracks

There are many different types of cracked teeth. The treatment and outcome for your tooth depends on the type, location, and severity of the crack.

Craze Lines

Craze lines are tiny cracks in the outer enamel of the tooth.  These cracks are most commonly found in adult teeth.  These cracks are superficial enamel cracks and do not go beyond the enamel layer of the tooth.  Since, these cracks are superficial, appearance is usually the only concern. Aesthetics can be treated with either a all porcelain veneer or crown. 

Fractured Cusp

When the pointed part of a tooth (known as the cusp) becomes weakened, a fracture sometimes results. The fractured cusp may break off or may be removed by Dr. Lopez.  If the fracture does extend to the deeper layers of the tooth or the pulp(nerve), endodontic (root canal) treatment may be required. The tooth is usually restored with an onlay or crown.

Cracked Tooth

This type of crack originates from the chewing surface of the tooth and extends vertically towards the root. Damage to the nerve is common and a root canal is usually required.  Occasionally the crack may extend below the gum line, requiring extraction.  A cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen and may reach the Split Tooth stage that results in loss of the tooth.  Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in saving these teeth.

Split Tooth

A split tooth can be the result of an untreated cracked tooth.  It can, also, be the result of a single bite of a very hard piece of food or ice.  Unlike a cracked tooth, a split tooth has distinct segments that can be separated and cannot be saved intact.  Whether or not portions of the tooth can be saved is determined by the position and extent of the crack.  It is not often that the tooth can be saved by a root canal and crown.

Vertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fractures are cracks that begin in the root of the tooth and extend toward the chewing surface. Signs and symptoms are very challenging to detect and may therefore go unnoticed for some time. Vertical root fractures are often discovered when the surrounding bone and gum become infected. Treatment usually involves extraction of the tooth. In few cases, endodontic (root canal) surgery can be performed if a portion of the tooth can be saved by removal of the fractured root.

Horizontal Root Fracture

Horizontal root fractures are limited to the roots of teeth with the crown portion intact. The fractured root is generally entirely below the gums and usually below the bone. Horizontal root fractures are usually unrestorable. In some cases the fractured root may be amputated and a root canal performed, but the overall prognosis is usually poor.

Will My Tooth Completely Heal?

Unlike a broken bone, the crack in a tooth will never heal. Regardless of treatment, some cracks may continue to progress and separate, resulting in loss of the tooth. Placement of an onlay or crown on a cracked tooth provides maximum protection, but does not eliminate the risks of the crack becoming larger.

Treating your cracked tooth is important, because it will relieve pain and reduce the likelihood that the crack will propagate. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function and provide years of comfortable chewing. 


Reserve your appointment online for a consult with Dr. Jay R. Lopez, DDS.

Cold Sores - Immediate Comfort!

Our soft tissue laser can be used to treat cold sores (aphthous ulcers and herpetic lesions).  When used on a cold sore within the first 1-3 days (the sooner the better), the discomfort and healing time is greatly reduced.

The laser does this by heating the skin in the area of the developing sore. This dries out the skin, as well as disinfects, the area from bacteria and virus.  The result is skipping past the itchy blistering stage of the sore to the scabbing healing stage.  By reducing the time of the blistering stage, this helps to decrease the potential spread of the bacteria and/or virus (causing the sore) to surrounding areas.

The best part of this treatment is NO Anesthetic is required!!!

Reserve your appointment online for a consult with Dr. Jay R. Lopez, DDS.

ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE?

In recent weeks, we have had patients asking about the safety of dental radiographs (x-rays).  In early April 2012 there was a lot of media exposure regarding a recent study's results on a specific type of cancer  and it's relation to dental x-rays.

The following is the Academy of General Dentistry's, one of the largest and most respected academies in dentistry,  response to the study:

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Sets the Record Straight on Dental X-Rays

CHICAGO (April 12, 2012)—On Tuesday, April 10, 2012, in the journal Cancer, the American Cancer Society published an article entitled “Dental X-Rays and Risk of Meningioma,” which summarized a study that sought to develop a correlation between dental radiographs and brain cancer.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health information to the public, the study’s findings are not applicable to modern dentistry because the study was based upon an examination of outdated radiographic techniques, which produced considerably more radiation than patients would be exposed to today.

“Modern radiographic techniques and equipment provide the narrowest beam and shortest exposure, thereby limiting the area and time of exposure and reducing any possible risks while providing the highest level of diagnostic benefits,” said AGD President Howard Gamble, DMD, FAGD. “Today, patient safety is always maintained with the recommended use of thyroid collars and aprons.”

The article from the American Cancer Society, which received attention from many reputable news outlets, could cause the public to decide to limit or even refuse X-rays in an effort to keep their families safe.

“It is regrettable to think that an article based on outdated technology could scare the public and cause them to avoid needed treatment,” said Dr. Gamble. “With the radiography techniques in use today, the amount of radiation exposure is reduced and more controlled than it was in years past.”

The AGD supports radiographic guidelines provided by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and concurs with the ADA that dentists should order dental radiographs for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

The AGD encourages patients to discuss their concerns with their dentists in order to determine what’s best for them. The AGD also encourages dentists to communicate with their patients and address any unexpressed concerns of radiographic risks in order to reduce fear and promote a better understanding of the benefits and the risks associated with the specific needs of each patient.

“Neglecting one’s oral health has serious oral and systemic risks,” said Dr. Gamble. “Radiographs play an important role in improving the oral health of the public, and patients should not be deterred from seeking oral health care due to misperceptions from this study.”

The Cancer study contained many inconsistencies and possibilities for error, including the fact that its findings were based upon a population-based case-control study. This means that it relied upon the patients themselves to recall and self-report past events, many of which were from decades earlier.

The AGD supports ongoing scientific research on any correlations between dental radiographs and incidents of disease in an effort to provide the most accurate information to the public and to correct any misperceptions created by the Cancer study.

In short, the study based it's finding on slow speed film and radiographic techniques that have not been utilized for decades.  Current digital radiographic techniques have substantially reduced these risks. (digital radiographs reduce exposure by greater than 90-95%)  

Also, the nature of having patients recollect from memory regarding their medical and dental histories from decades prior is not a reliable way to base any study with any high reliability.


Something to consider.... "Everyday" we diagnose various types of dental disease from radiographs that would otherwise go undiagnosed for years!

To name a few radiographically diagnosed dental conditions that we diagnosis everyday:

(most of these are asymptomatic, without any symptoms)

• Periodontal disease (areas of bone lose around teeth, leading to lose of teeth)
• Dental decay inside and in-between teeth
• Bony cysts
• Bony abscesses
• Benign tumors (which can be very destructive)
• Malignant (cancerous) tumors
• Necrotic (dead) teeth requiring root canals
• Root resorption (dissolving roots)

We certainly have to continuously weigh the benefits versus the risks.  We take Risk Assessment very seriously here at our office, Dr. Jay R. Lopez, DDS.  In fact, we base all our treatment planning on a risk assessment that is evidenced based.

We use digital x-rays to minimize exposure to all our patients.  We recommend radiographs on an individualized bases.

Please feel free to call (520-886-8090) or email our office if we can answer any of your questions.