General Dentistry 101 - Dental Crown

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.  They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, and can be fabricated in the dental office or in a dental lab. Crowns are used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.  Dr. Ferguson will determine at your dental appointment if any of your teeth are in need of a crown - he will also discuss the possible treatment options with you.

Children and Dental Emergencies

Treating a child correctly in a dental emergency is extremely important in minimizing damage to the mouth, teeth and surrounding tissue.  Parents should have a basic understanding of dental first aid in case a situation does arises. In some cases, the time period between the emergency and treatment can be significant in the outcome of a dental emergency.

Below is a List of Dental Emergencies and what you should do:

Toothaches.  First, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any lodged food. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Chipped or Broken Teeth.  Save any pieces. Rinse the mouth using warm water; rinse any broken pieces. If there's bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken/chipped tooth to keep any swelling down and relieve pain. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Abscess.  Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.  Because of the serious oral health and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum that usually is painful. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.

Avulsed or 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. Make sure it's facing the right way. 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 cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt, if milk is not available) or a product containing cell growth medium, such as Save-a-Tooth. 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.

Extruded (partially dislodged) Tooth. See your dentist right away. Until you reach your dentist's office, to relieve pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as Tylenol or Motrin) if needed.

Despite the importance of the dental first aid, there is no course of action better than actually visiting the dentist. But it’s certainly beneficial when parents are aware of dental first aid.

For questions regarding dental emergencies or dental first aid, contact our office at: (602) 242-5445 or discuss your questions with Dr. Ferguson and/or team at your next dental appointment.

Dental Science Experiment for Kids - Does Fluoride Strengthen Teeth?

Items Needed:

• Two hard-boiled eggs 
• Fluoride gel or solution, 4 oz to 6 oz
• Three clean plastic containers
• Several cans of dark soda
• Water

Experiment:

1) Place a hard-boiled egg in one of the plastic containers and cover it with the fluoride gel or solution. Let the egg soak in the fluoride for twenty-four hours. Remove the egg and rinse it with water. 

2) Place this “treated” egg in one of the two remaining clean containers, and place the “untreated” egg in the other. 

3) Cover both eggs with dark soda. Change the solution every 12 hours for two days. 

What was your Conclusion?

Results of the Experiment:

The “untreated” egg will begin to dissolve slightly, and the shell will become stained by the dark soda. 

The “treated” egg should not show a reaction until much later. The conclusion could be drawn that the use of fluoride helps strengthen teeth and protect them from decay. 

The Consequences of Missing Teeth

There are several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. First, missing teeth will affect the aesthetics of your face. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from missing teeth, but if you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making your appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew your food properly and may even affect the way you speak. Finally, missing even one tooth may have emotional consequences; many people feel less confident about their smile when they are missing teeth. If you are currently missing any of your teeth, consider replacing them with dental implants, which can look and feel just like natural teeth.  

If you have missing teeth and are unsatisfied with the look of your smile, contact Dr. Alan Ferguson's office at (602) 242-5445 to schedule an oral evaluation.

Should You Share Your Toothbrush with your Partner/Spouse?

Just because you kiss your partner/spouse, sleep with them or occasionally taste food off their fork, these are not reasonable justifications for using their toothbrush.

Brushing your teeth sometimes causes the gums to bleed, which exposes everyone you share your toothbrush with to blood stream diseases. Therefore, by sharing a toothbrush, the couples are actually sharing blood, which is a lot more risky than just sharing saliva. 

By using their toothbrush, you automatically introduce millions of their oral bacteria into your mouth and likewise leaving undesirable bacteria on the brush for them.  Dental decay is caused by bacteria called streptococcus mutans and is contagious.

Other diseases a person risks contracting when he or she shares a toothbrush with another are cold sores, herpes, fungus and periodontal disease.

Soft Tissue Diode Laser Treatment

One of the most effective tools our dental hygiene team has incorporated is the use of the soft tissue diode laser. During a 2-4 minute laser bacterial reduction, the bacterial count can be reduced from “millions” of bacteria to “hundreds”. This allows for quick profound healing of inflammation. It reduces the amount of bacteria that can enter the blood stream and travel to the brain, heart, liver, etc. The laser is also used during scaling and root planning treatment of periodontal disease.

The Truth about your Saliva

Did you know saliva contains components that can directly attack cariogenic (cavity/decay causing) bacteria, and it is also rich in calcium and phosphates that help to remineralize tooth enamel.  Demineralization of enamel occurs when pH levels fall as a result of acid production by bacteria. It can be reversed at early stages if the local environment can counteract acid production, restoring pH to neutral levels. Remineralization can occur through the replacement of lost mineral (calcium and phosphates) from the stores in saliva.

nidcr.nih.gov

Vitamin D and Heart Disease

A growing number of studies support the idea that low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, and that adding vitamin D supplements can help reduce this risk. Several large trials to learn more about this connection are underway, although there is not yet any conclusive evidence.

How Much Vitamin D do I Need?

It is well established that 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day is necessary to prevent rickets, but an overwhelming number of physicians and researchers believe this level is too low to help achieve optimal health and reduce the risk of disease.

They say the Institute of Medicine (IOM) should consider revising their current vitamin D recommendations, which are below:

200 International Units IU per day for adults age 50 and younger

400 IU per day for adults aged 51 to 70 years

600 IU per day for adults aged 70 years.

It is not clear just how much vitamin D is needed for increased health and disease risk reduction. However, many physicians are now recommending 1,000 IU to 2,000 IU daily for most adults. Your doctor can determine how much vitamin D you need, and it is important to talk to him/her before increasing the amount of vitamin D in your diet. Too much vitamin D can cause the body to absorb too much calcium, which can cause kidney stones or damage.

Best Sources of Vitamin D

The best way to start adding vitamins to your diet is through foods. However, there are few foods that contain vitamin D, and your doctor may recommend supplements to ensure you have at least the minimum recommended amount of vitamin D each day. Even if you take supplements, you should still eat a variety of foods rich in vitamin D. Many foods rich in vitamin D contain additional disease-fighting nutrients.

Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Food or Supplement       Amount of Vitamin D (IU)

Chinook salmon, 4 oz. cooked 410

Shrimp, 4 oz. cooked      160

Multiple vitamins, most brands         400

Canned salmon, 3.5 oz.  360

Dannon Frusion® smoothie (10 oz.)           80

Tuna, light, canned in water, 3 oz.     200

Soy milk, fortified, 1 cup           100-120

Milk, 1 cup 100

Orange juice, fortified, 1 cup   142

Viactiv® Calcium soft chews, 1          500

Cod, 4 oz. cooked 63

Fortified breakfast cereals, most brands, ¾ – 1 cup       40

Margarine, fortified, 1 Tbsp    40

Large egg, 1           22

Supplements Containing Vitamin D

There are many available over-the-counter vitamin D dietary supplements. Two forms of vitamin D are used in these supplements — ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is often considered a vegetarian source of vitamin D because it is derived from plants. Vitamin D3 can be obtained from synthetic or animal sources. Many practitioners prefer vitamin D3 because it is better absorbed and closer to the naturally occurring form of the vitamin in humans. However, both forms can be effective in increasing vitamin D levels in the blood.

my.clevelandclinic.org

my.clevelandclinic.org

Do Men’s and Women’s Hearts Burn Fuel Differently?

“Because the heart is the body’s number-one consumer of fat, when it starts using fat differently, there are consequences throughout the entire body,”

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine will study gender differences in how the heart uses and stores fat—its main energy source—and how changes in fat metabolism play a role in heart disease, under a new $2 million, 4-year grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

When stressed, the heart changes how it uses fuel for energy. These changes may play a major role in the development of heart disease and are different in men and women, says E. Douglas Lewandowski, director of the UIC Center for Cardiovascular Research. The changes occur long before any symptoms, he said, and may be key to early diagnosis and treatment.

Lewandowski, who is principal investigator on the grant, uses imaging techniques he developed to see fat molecules and the rate at which they are being burned in beating hearts. In healthy hearts, the balance between using fat for energy and storing it in tiny droplets within the cells is in a dynamic equilibrium.

When a female heart is stressed, such as through chronic disease like hypertension, it becomes much less efficient at metabolizing fat, Lewandowski says. When a male heart is stressed, it starts using more sugar as fuel. These changes in the heart can also affect how fat is stored and used in other parts of the body.

sciencedaily.com

Study Pinpoints Target for TMJD

People with temporomandibular joint disorder may be in luck.

Researchers located a protein that is essential in TMJD pain. This could lead to treatment for this painful disorder.

This information from the Duke Medicine researchers appears in the August issue of PAIN.

There isn’t much information known about what prompts TMJD. The research team pinpointed TRPV4, which is an ion channel protein that enables calcium to enter cells. Its involvement with inflammation and pain was examined.

The research team looked at normal mice and mice that were genetically engineered without TRPV4. Inflammation and pain was then created in the temporomandibular joints, similar to the way it impacts humans.

The mice without TRPV4 had a lower reduction in bite force, indicating they experienced less pain. When there was an increase in TRPV4, the correlation was a larger reduction in bite force.

The research also provided a compound to the normal mice that blocked TRPV4. The ensuing discovery was that inhibiting TRPV4 produced smaller reductions in bite force. The results were comparable to the results from mice without TRPV4.

One bit of information that surprised researchers was the idea that there was comparable bone erosion and inflammation in the jaw tissue for all mice. The amount of TRPV4 did not impact this. Essentially the damage is the same but the pain level varies.

Based on this study, it’s possible the TRPV4 could be utilized to develop new treatment for TMJ issues.

TMJD is the most common form of oral and facial pain and afflicts more than 10 million Americans. The chronic disorder results in severe pain that stems from chewing or biting down. There are no full-proof treatments.

dentistrytoday.com

Inflammation Links Obesity and Gum Disease

Blood on your toothbrush can be a warning sign of gum disease. And, if you are overweight, it can indicate other serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

After reviewing previous research on gum disease and obesity, they found an association between both health problems – chronic inflammation,  described in a recent article in the Journal of General Dentistry, “Obesity and periodontitis: a link.”

Periodontitis, commonly called gum disease (and gingivitis in its milder form), affects nearly half the U.S. population over age 30, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The disease ignites an inflammatory response as the body begins to fight off bacteria present in the dental plaque. If not treated, the inflammation eventually erodes the jawbone and loosens teeth. In severe cases, patients lose their teeth. The bacteria can also cause ulcers in the pocket surrounding the involved teeth and eventually enter the blood and settle in other parts of the body.

Being overweight can compound the problem, the researchers warn. Belly fat contains about 50 bioactive substances, which can set off inflammatory responses that reduce the body’s ability to suppress appetite or use insulin to regulate glucose levels–both of which are linked to diabetes.

Fat tissue can also increase production of the C-reactive protein (CRP) involved in the inflammation process and linked to cardiovascular disease.

www.stlamerican.com



A Glass of Milk After Eating Sugary Cereals May Prevent Cavities

Washing down sugary breakfast cereal with milk after eating reduces plaque acid levels and may prevent damage to tooth enamel that leads to cavities, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.

Dry ready-to-eat, sugar-added cereals combine refined sugar and starch. When those carbohydrates are consumed, bacteria in the dental plaque on tooth surfaces produce acids, says Christine Wu, professor of pediatric dentistry and director of cariology, who served as principal investigator of the study.

Reports have shown that eating carbohydrates four times daily, or in quantities greater than 60 grams per person per day, increases the risk of cavities.

The new study, performed by Wu’s former graduate student Shilpa Naval, involved 20 adults eating 20 grams of dry Froot Loops cereal, then drinking different beverages — whole milk, 100 percent apple juice, or tap water.

Plaque pH, or acidity, was measured with a touch microelectrode between the premolar teeth before eating; at two and five minutes after eating; and then two to 30 minutes after drinking a liquid.

The pH in plaque dropped rapidly after consuming cereal alone, and remained acidic at pH 5.83 at 30 minutes. A pH below 7 is acidic; a pH greater than 7 is basic. Pure water has a pH close to 7.

Participants who drank milk after eating sugary cereal showed the highest pH rise, from 5.75 to 6.48 at 30 minutes. Those who drank apple juice remained at pH 5.84 at 30 minutes, while water raised the pH to 6.02.

“Fruit juices are considered healthy food choices, but the added sugar can be a risk to dental health.”, Wu said.

“Our study results show that only milk was able to reduce acidity of dental plaque resulting from consuming sugary Froot Loops,” said Naval, who is currently a fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. “We believe that milk helped mitigate the damaging effect of fermentable carbohydrate and overcome the previously lowered plaque pH.”

Milk, with a pH ranging from 6.4 to 6.7, is considered to be a functional food that fights cavities because it promotes tooth remineralization and inhibits the growth of plaque, Wu said.

Wu says most consumers think that since milk is considered to be cavity-fighting, acid production by plaque bacteria can be minimized by mixing it with cereal. However, in an unpublished study in her lab, it was discovered that the combination of Froot Loops and milk became syrupy. Eating cereal combined with milk lowered plaque pH to levels similar to that obtained after rinsing with a 10 percent sugar solution.

Eating sugar-added cereal with milk, followed by drinking fruit juice is thus a highly cavity-causing combination, Wu said.

Diet plays an important role in oral health, Wu said. Studies of food intake and cavities have focused mainly on the sugar, or carbohydrate, content. Fewer studies have looked at how combinations of food, and the order in which they are eaten, may help fight cavities.

“Results from a previous study suggested that the last food item consumed exerts the greatest influence on subsequent plaque pH,” she said. For example, eating cheese after a sugary meal reduces acid production, and consumers can modify their diet in such a way as to prevent the cavity-causing effects of sugary foods.”

“If understood and implemented properly, food sequencing can be used as a public health educational tool to maintain and preserve good oral health,” said Naval.

Other contributors included Drs. Anne Koerber, Larry Salzmann, Indru Punwani, and Bradford Johnson, all of the dentistry faculty at UIC. The research was supported by the college’s pediatric dentistry department.

The research is published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

This entry was posted in Blog, Healthy Teeth, Tooth Decay and tagged 85014, Dr. Alan Ferguson, Drink Milk after eating sugary cereals, Phoenix Dentist, Prevent Cavities,Prevent Tooth Decay by admin. Bookmark the permalink.

Tooth Decay: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Tooth decay is caused when bacteria,acid, food particles and saliva mix together and form plaque that sticks to the teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it can lead to the complicating factors such as a cavity, a tooth abscess, tartar, gingivitis, and possibly periodontitis. This article will provide a look at the causes of tooth decay, the symptoms and also how you and your dentist can work to prevent and/or treat this condition.

Tooth Decay Causes And Symptoms

Tooth decay is a very common condition and can occur at any age but is more common in children and young adults. It comes about when normal bacteria of the mouth combines with acids, food particles and saliva resulting in plaque, a sticky substance that sticks to the teeth.

The acids in the plaque cause continual destruction of the enamel (outer layer of tooth) and dentin (layer below the enamel) with the formation of a cavity being seen. The tooth may continue to decay until it involves the pulp (layer below the dentin that contains the blood vessels and nerves), which can result in pain and cause the tooth to be destroyed and lost.

If the plaque is not removed it can mineralize into tartar and lead to irritation and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and possibly periodontitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.

Foods that contain carbohydrates such as sugar and starch put a person at higher risk for tooth decay.

Symptoms may include a dark spot or visible hole on the tooth surface, and the tooth may be painful or sensitive to heat or cold.

Tooth Decay Diagnosis And Treatment

Observation of the aforementioned symptoms may be noted and should be evaluated by a dentist. However, most cavities are discovered during a routine dental examination. The examination may include x-rays, which can detect cavities before they are visible on the surface of the tooth.

Treatment starts with preventative measures, which include good dental hygiene such as regular brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups by a dentist. A dentist or physician may prescribe fluoride tablets to be taken while the teeth are developing in a young child. Daily intake of refined carbohydrates or sugars should be minimized since they promote tooth decay.

If a cavity is found, the decayed tissue is removed from the tooth and replaced by a filling that is typically a material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin.

A crown or “cap” may be used by a dentist to treat tooth decay if the damage to the tooth is extensive or there is only a small amount of the normal tooth structure present.

A root canal is used when the nerve of the tooth dies. In this case, the pulp and the decayed section of tooth are removed and filled with a sealing material.

Take an active role in your health by learning all you can about Tooth Decay and Cavities.  Also, visit your dentist every six months!

healthgurutips.com

GUM DISEASE RISK FACTORS

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

AGE

Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.

SMOKING/TOBACCO USE

Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

GENETICS

Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

STRESS

Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

MEDICATIONS

Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

CLENCHING OR GRINDING YOUR TEETH

Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES

Other systemic diseases that interfere with the body's inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

POOR NUTRITION AND OBESITY

A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. In addition, research has shown that obesity may increase the risk of periodontal disease

Tooth Enamel May Be Damaged By Early Exposure To Bisphenol A

Are teeth the latest victims of bisphenol A? Yes, according to the conclusions of work carried out by the research team led by Ariane Berdal of the Universite Paris-Diderot and Sylvie Babajko, Research Director at Inserm Unit 872 "Centre des Cordeliers". The researchers have shown that the teeth of rats treated with low daily doses of BPA could be damaged by this. Analysis of the damage shows numerous characteristics that are common with a recently identified pathology of tooth enamel that affects roughly 18% of children between the ages of 6 and 8.

These results have been published in the American Journal of Pathology.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used in the composition of plastics and resins. It is used for example to manufacture food containers such as bottles or babies' bottles. It is also used for the protective films inside drinks cans and food tins, or as developers on sales receipts. Significant amounts of BPA have also been found in human blood, urine, amniotic liquid and placentas. Recent studies have shown that this industrial compound has adverse effects on the reproduction, development and metabolism of laboratory animals. It is strongly suspected of having the same effects on humans.

As a precautionary measure, the manufacture and commercialisation of babies' bottles containing bisphenol A were prohibited in Europe in January 2011. The prohibition will be extended to all food containers in France as from July 2015.

So this study shows that teeth are the latest in an already long list of victims of BPA.

The Inserm researchers have shown that the incisors of rats treated with low daily doses of BPA (5 microgrammes/kg/day) could be damaged by this. This effect has also been observed within a development window of no more than 30 days post-birth in rats, thus demonstrating a range of sensitivity to exposure.

Analysis of these teeth showed numerous characteristics that are common with a tooth enamel pathology known as MIH (Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation) that selectively affects first molars and permanent incisors. This enamel pathology is found in roughly 18% of children between the ages of 6 and 8. Children affected by this pathology present with teeth that are hypersensitive to pain and liable to cavities. It is interesting to note that the period during which these teeth are formed (the first years of life) correspond to the period during which humans are most sensitive to bisphenol A.

Amongst the earliest observations made was the appearance of "white marks" on the incisors of rats treated with endocrine disruptors, one of which was bisphenol A (BPA). The researchers decided to define the characteristics of incisors of rats treated with low doses of BPA and to compare these with the characteristics of teeth in humans suffering from MIH

Macroscopic observation of marks on both series of teeth showed similarities, in particular fragile and brittle enamel.

Microscope observation of the enamel showed a significant reduction of the Ca/P and the Ca/C ratios in affected teeth. This leads to mineral depletion, making the teeth more fragile and more liable to cavities.

Finally, analysis of the proteins present in the tooth matrix of rats showed an increased quantity of enamelin, a key protein for enamel formation, and a buildup of albumin leading to hypomineralisation. Analysis of the expression of key enamel genes highlighted two BPA target genes: enamelin and kallicrein 4.

According to Sylvie Babajko, the latest author of this article, "Insofar as BPA has the same mechanism of action in rats as in men, it could also be a causal agent of MIH. Therefore, teeth could be used as early markers of exposure to endocrine disruptors acting in the same way as BPA and so could help in early detection of serious pathologies that would otherwise have occurred several years later". 

medicalnewstoday.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Phoenix Dentist Using Salivary DNA Tests

to Fight Periodontal Infections

Phoenix, AZ – April, 17, 2013 –  Phoenix dentist, Dr. L. Alan Ferguson, whose practice is located at 1222 E. Missouri Avenue, #201, is administering two molecular tests that provide supplemental information about a patient’s periodontal disease. This information can be used to develop patient-specific treatment plans for periodontal disease therapy and to help establish the therapy endpoint.

The two salivary diagnostic tests, named MyPerioPath^® and MyPerioID^® PST^®, are offered by OralDNA^® Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics.

Specifically, the MyPerioPath test provides semi-quantitative levels of 11 different species of bacteria known to trigger periodontal disease. In addition to identifying the bacterial pathogens, the test provides a bacterial-related risk of disease progression and suggestions for suitable antibiotic therapy. The MyPerioID PST test detects genetic changes (DNA polymorphisms) that have been associated with increased incidence and/or progression of chronic periodontal disease in some studies.

According to Dr. Ferguson, “We are very pleased to be one of the first dental practices in the area to utilize the MyPerioPath and MyPerioID PST salivary diagnostic tests, enhancing our ability to provide the best possible care.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Besides helping with tooth retention, successful periodontal treatment can help patients with diabetes to better control their disease.^1,2 About 50% of Americans have gingival bleeding, the more common but less severe form of periodontal disease.³ Prevalence of more severe disease is more difficult to ascertain.

Several research studies have associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory

diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.^4,5

For more information regarding the MyPerioPath^® and MyPerioID^® PST^® salivary diagnostic tests, or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Ferguson at (602) 242-5445 or visit http://www.drfergusonaz.com.

About OralDNA Labs Inc. (www.OralDNA.com)

OralDNA Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), is a specialty diagnostics company created to advance clinical testing in the dental community. The company’s goal is to help the dental profession achieve better clinical outcomes by providing reliable, definitive, and cost-effective clinical tests that drive the detection and prognosis of disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.

References:

1.      Swedish (Sweden) Koromantzos PA, Makrilakis K, Dereka X, et al. A randomized, controlled trial on the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Part I: effect on periodontal status and glycaemic control. J Clin Periodontol. 2011;38:142-147.  

2.      Simpson TC, Needleman I, Wild SH, et al. Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(5):CD004714.

3.      Albandar JM, Kingman A. Gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus in adults 30 years of age and older in the United States, 1988-1994. J Periodontol. 1999;70:30-43.

Services Provided

X-rays

X-rays allow us to see in between the teeth and under existing fillings to help us detect tooth decay. X-rays can also help us check the health of the bone supporting the teeth.

Diagnostic Impressions

Diagnostic impressions are taken to ensure the fit of any crown, bridge, or denture. The exact shape of your teeth and gums is molded in a flexible vinyl mixture that sets quickly. The vinyl mold is then used to create a replica of your mouth with plaster or plastic.

Comprehensive Oral Exams

The first step in any dental care plan is to determine your existing health conditions. If you are a first-time patient, we will perform a comprehensive examination; including recording of your medical history, taking full x-rays, screening for oral cancer, examining periodontal (gum) condition, checking each tooth for cavities, and examining your jaw and bite.

Periodic Oral Exams

As an established patient with a preventive dental care plan, you will come to the office on a regular recall schedule for a cleaning and check-up. Periodic exams are important for maintaining your healthy smile.

Consultation and Treatment Planning

Oral health is a lifelong concern. We will help you understand any conditions that need treatment and devise a plan for correcting them. We will also discuss the options for any cosmetic treatments you may be interested in. Furthermore, we will outline a regular course of preventive care.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked tooth syndrome, as the name suggests, is the development of cracks and fissures in teeth over time. These cracks may be invisible to the naked eye but extend deep into the tooth. We examine your teeth for cracks so that we can take preventive action before the tooth suffers severe damage.

Gum Disease Diagnosis

Gum disease is much more common than people think. We will examine your gums for disease and make recommendations based on your specific dental healthcare needs. Regular, careful brushing and flossing are essential to gum health.

Oral Cancer Screening

Currently oral cancer is on the rise in a much younger population; all individuals are at risk for developing oral cancer.  What used to be related to smoking and chewing tobacco is now being linked to very common viruses, making oral cancer a much greater concern for a larger population.  We pride ourselves that each and every patient seen in our practice is given a visual oral cancer screening and we have additional technology called the Velscope® which allows us to catch even the earliest of lesions.

Alan Ferguson, D.D.S., P.C.

Chief Dentist

Dr. Ferguson is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. In 1975, Alan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Iowa State University and in 1979 graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University Dental School.

Dr. Ferguson was in private practice in Richmond, Virginia before moving to Arizona to practice in 1994. Dr. Ferguson has taken many hundreds of hours of continuing education with an emphasis on restorative and functional cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Ferguson is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association and Central Arizona Dental Society as well as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Apnea Dental Institute. Dr. Ferguson is also a member of one of Arizona’s finest implant study clubs.

One thing you will notice about Dr. Ferguson is that he likes to have the practice resemble a home atmosphere, so every patient is treated like part of our dental family.