The Healthy Dentist

Healthy Living for a Healthy Mouth

Dr. Saylor instructing at the Scottsdale Center

June 2nd, 2009. Published under Dental Veneers, cosmetic dentistry. No Comments.

Dr. Saylor has recently returned from instructing at a continuing education course at the Spear Institute at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry  in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He was the mentor instructor for two dentists.  One Dr. focused was on posterior teeth (back teeth)  and the other focused on eight cosmetic veneers.  Each Dr. brought a patient from their practice along with their assistant to learn new techniques in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.  The Scottsdale Center is the “Harvard” “of  dental continuing education institutes in the United States.  Dentists who are committed to offering the very best in dentistry  attend this world class Institution. Dr. Saylor feels very fortunate to have been invited to be a mentor instructor with this group of exceptional dentists.  In fact, he has found the biggest benefit to  his patients, is in what helearns while mentoring other dentists.  Dental materials are constantly changing and improving.  A product which has shown remarkable promise for instance is,  a new,  all porcelain material used for crowns and inlays/onlays.  E-max by Ivoclar provides a very strong and natural  restoration.  Be sure to ask if  you are a candidate for an E-Max restoration.

so, do you think silver fillings cause cracked teeth?

May 22nd, 2009. Published under healthy teeth. No Comments.

crk-cusp-copycrk-through-excavation-copyThis person had visible crack in the enamel on the outside cusp of this pre-molar which was sensitive to bite on.  When the old silver filling was removed, the crack was visible under the old restoration.  The amalgam acts as a wedge through the center of the tooth.  Biting pressure over the years eventually cause small fractures  which sometimes lead to larger fractures..These cracks and fissures make crowning the tooth necessary and sometimes the loss of the tooth altogether.

The importance of shade selection for crowns

May 22nd, 2009. Published under cosmetic dentistry, healthy teeth. No Comments.

crn-20-copyWe spend a lot of time and take several  photo’s to get results like this.  Note the (X) is a crown that was just cemented.  Compare to the molar just behind it…No comparison.  The new crown has more characterization and translucency …Just looks like a tooth!

Tongue Scraper

May 21st, 2009. Published under healthy teeth. No Comments.

Although dentists have been talking to their patients about cleaning the “gunk” off their tongues for over 50 years, it is only recently that studies have been conducted to show the decrease in halitosis (bad breath), gum problems and tooth decay by scraping the tongue.

A toothbrush will work but is not as effective as some of the tongue scrapers that are available to be used at home.  There are many different types of tongue scrapers available.

Tongue scraping is easy.  Just 2 or 3 strokes are enough to remove the debris that gets trapped in between the taste buds on your tongue.

People with halitosis (bad breath) will benefit greatly from tongue scraping but it is also effective for smokers and anyone who enjoys pungent or foods with a strong odor.    If someone has a fungal growth called “Brown Hairy Tongue” they will see a really big change.