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.

Letter from a "Loyal Patient" of Dr. Ferguson's on the GLO Gel Whitening Pen

To the great team at Dr. Ferguson's,

Just wanted to let you know the GLO Gel Whitening Pen is a really great product and thank you for suggesting for me to use it!

I have been using the pen since my last cleaning a few months ago and I have noticed significantly less stains! I am a coffee drinker (which I don't plan on giving up anytime soon! :)) and on my regular cleanings, and have these stubborn stain issues. Since using this easy to use product, it has helped curb the staining that toothpaste or other "whitening" type of products weren't able to do.

I highly recommend this product, especially for people that have teeth that stain easily or want a brightener that is a more natural based product. It is quick and easy and actually has a very pleasant taste versus many others that feel and taste very "bleach-like" that is not abrasive on your teeth and gums.

Thanks to the team of Dr. Ferguson's and a shout out to all the great work that you do.  You are a great group of people that really cares about your patients!

With appreciation!!

A loyal patient

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.

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

Important Vitamins & Minerals for Oral Health

 

Vitamins and minerals are extremely important for your overall dental health. When there is a significant lack of Calcium for instance, the teeth will become weaker and start to erode. An inadequate dietary intake can affect your dental health, and the gums may become inflamed or the teeth become much weaker.

Vitamin A - this precious vitamin helps maintaining proper saliva flow so that bacteria are flushed away from the mouth. Also, Vitamin A maintains a healthy mucous membrane and mouth tissues. One of the best sources of Vitamin A include beef liver, sweet potatoes, melon, and spinach.

Vitamin B1 - helps maintaining the natural and healthy rose pink color of your gums, and it fights off tongue inflammation very successfully. Some of the best food sources containing Vitamin B1 include sunflower seeds, all sorts of vegetables and pork meat.

Vitamin B2 -is an extremely important vitamin for the prevention of cheilosis. This is condition when the corners of the mouth become fissured or start scaling. Mushrooms, milk products or lean steak are perfect sources of Vitamin B2.

It is important to mention that you can maintain proper dental health also if you start taking multivitamin capsules. Eat healthy and take these vitamins on a daily basis for at least a month to fuse your system with precious nutrients. Also, Vitamin B3 helps greatly fighting off gingivitis symptoms.

Vitamin B5 or Panthenoic Acid - patients who have undergone major dental health surgery, are advised to increase their Vitamin B5 intake as it helps with healing of the oral tissues in general. Some of the best food sources for this vitamin include liver, kidney, or egg yolks.

Folic Acid- or Vitamin B9 - is the best vitamin to help preventing inflammation of the tongue, and it also fights off the symptoms of chronic periodontitis. Also, patients with yeast infection problems are advised to increase their intake of Vitamin B9.

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

GUM DISEASE AND WOMEN

A woman's periodontal health may be impacted by a variety of factors.

PUBERTY

During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, causes increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum's sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

MENSTRUATION

Occasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. Women with this condition may experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman's period and clears up once her period has started.

PREGNANCY

Some studies have suggested the possibility of an additional risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. However, more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes.

All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation.

MENOPAUSE AND POST-MENOPAUSE

Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.

In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red mark this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms.  perio.org

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.