Dental Reflections Blog

for Smile lovers out there...

2011-02-08T15:29:00.001-08:00

2011-01-26T02:57:00.000-08:00

Just got back from my week long trip in Haiti. It's true..the destruction is beyond compare. As soon as you step foot off the plane you are ushered into a little make-shift corridor that replaces the old airport terminal that was completely rendered unsafe and for demolition by the earthquakes last year. The irony is as that at the end of that long and narrow corridor you
are greeted by a festive and an almost obnoxiously loud musical trio with their warm welcoming smiles, bright colors, drums and guitars....a true testament to the resilience and courage of the Haitian people! As we left the airport, it was evident that the destruction at the airport was only the beginning. With 1.5 million people left homeless to date, there is much work yet to be done...but we tried to stay focused on our mission...improve oral health for as many kids as possible! We came armed with 4 luggage bags full of dental kits, educational material, toys...and we succeeded!

You've gotta smile more!!!! Top 10 reasons to SMILE!

2011-01-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive.
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away, but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day, you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

2011 SMILE MAKE OVER CONTEST

2011-01-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Its here! We are gearing up for our new SMILE MAKEOVER CONTEST for 2011 and we cant wait to pick our winner! One of the hardest things to do is to sift through all the applications and photos to find that deserving person...I am always amazed by some of the photos submitted, and more so, some of the heart-wrenching essays we receive. However the criteria that we have used in past contests have not changed:

Winner must:
1. live within the vicinity of one of our offices
2. be in reasonably good health with no active medical treatment
3. submit an essay telling us why they deserve a new smile
4. photos of your smile and full- face (smiling!)
5. be willing to allow us to use their name and photos in our blogs/marketing!

If you would like to be considered for our contest, or know someone you would like to nominate feel free to submit your essay and photos to drkaloti@reflectiondentistry.com

Dr.Kaloti Extreme Dental Makeover Winner Transformed

2009-08-31T02:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I never posted this before, but I thought this would be a great discussion topic about what can be accomplished these days with modern dentistry. Out of a pool of over a hundred applicants T. Schultz was selected as our winner in last year's Extreme Makeover Contest, and rightfully so. He is a giver, and has always placed his family's dental care needs before his. We felt it was time he received the smile he deserved! We used a combination of veneers, crowns, and cosmetic gum therapy to pull this off, and I think this results speak for themselves!

Dental Hygiene for Seniors

2009-08-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

Dental hygiene is easily overlooked by many people. Most people do not take seriously and thus, they tend to develop different kinds of dental diseases. Teeth are an important part of the body. A lack of proper dental care can make you look older than your age. So, if you don’t want to be old soon and remain healthy for a long period of time, take good care of your teeth. By taking proper dental care, you can easily ease pain in your teeth and face no issues with chewing, swallowing and speaking. Following tips may help you when choosing the right dentist for your needs:

• Check with a trustworthy dental agency and university to get a list of available dentists in your area.
• Give a brief account of your treatments to the dentist before taking your dental treatment.
• Choose a dentist that can give you the right treatment.
• It is better to enquire about the number of visits that you will require to complete the treatment
• Look for an accessible dentist
• Ask all the relevant information about the cost of the treatment.

Overview of Periodontal disease

2009-08-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

Periodontal disease is popularly known as gum diseases. It is a kind of infection of the tissue that may develop between your teeth. Periodontal diseases affect the gum line of your teeth and cause problems and pain in your supportive structures. Also, it affects the supportive structures that keep the tooth in its place. In this disease, a pocket begins to form in the infected area majorly between teeth. The disease is broadly classified into two major stages namely, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a milder form of gun disease in which, gums area affected only and can be treated with reversible possible treatment option. If proper care is not taken at the time of treatment, gingivtitis may become serious and can be converted into periodontitis, which is a dangerous form of gum disease.

Factors responsible for periodontal diseases:
• Excess tobacco consumption
• Diseases such as diabetes
• Medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy, and other such drugs
• Oral contraceptives
• Unfit bridges
• Defective teeth fillings

What is periodontal disease?

2009-08-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

Periodontitis commonly known as periodontal disease is a type of gum disease that infects your gums and actually leads to heavy swelling as well. Unfortunately, more than eighty percent of US population is facing serious gum diseases.

Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:
• Heavy swelling in the gums
• Teeth sensitivity increases
• Redness in the gums
• Loose teeth
• Problems related with bad breath
• Gum bleeds
• Pus filled around the teeth
• Teeth roots exposed
• Gum gets softer

Simple tips to prevent periodontal disease:
• It is better to follow the instructions given by your dentist
• Go for frequent dental care schedule
• Do not take tobacco
• Take proper diet. You should eat a balanced diet
• Go for teeth cleaning if your dentist asks you.
• Always go for a professional teeth cleaning service.
• It is necessary for you to visit your trustworthy dentist every six months.
• Regular check-ups help in detecting any possible dental problem into your teeth and gums.

Sedation Dentistry for All

2009-08-24T23:34:00.001-07:00

Sedation dentistry is an effective method through which sedation is given to dental patients who need extra care for many reasons. They have a dental phobia or their dental condition is really bad, sedation can be given in adequate quantity to get instant relief from all the discomfit and pains that a patient may suffer during the dental treatment procedure. The most common sedation methods that are used for dental treatments include inhalation anesthesia, oral conscious sedation, general anesthesia, and intravenous (IV) sedation. However, it is important to notice here that all the sedation methods are not suitable for all. Depending on the condition of patients and the treatment procedure, the dose of sedation can be provided to patients.

While getting a sedation treatment, it is important to choose the right person. A sedation dentist is a specialist who knows when and in what quantity sedation dose should be given to a patient. Normally, the local anesthesia can be given by dentists as a sedation dose. It calms the mind and relieves pains instantly.

Tips for Dental Patients Traveling Abroad

2009-08-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

Many times, your home dentist does not prove of much worth and you need to visit specialist dental to get the right treatment. Here are few tips that may help you to make your trip successful:

First of all, you need to assure that you have enough credentials that will help you to recognize your dentist. It is better to have a certain and specific details about the dentist’s rating and performance.

Take adequate necessary steps to handle complications. Plan ahead and take care of everything including making plans for emergencies as well. Learn about the important dental procedures and work accordingly.

Arrange for a local dentist who can immediately come and see you in person as and when needed. It is important to keep in mind that you collect all your dental records as well. It is important for getting any treatment and accessing your condition properly. After knowing the full procedures and knowledge about the devices and tools to be used in the dental treatment, you can better decide about your dental problems. Get the best and suitable dental treatments to bring back your smile as soon as possible.

Dental Composite bonding

2009-08-12T04:31:00.001-07:00

Dental bonding is an effective technique that has been used in cosmetic dentistry for many years now. The dentistry can brings in a smile on your mouth in a single visit. In this procedure, the skilful/artistic use of the exact amount of dental composite is used. Dental composite is a kind of moldable material that comes with a paste-like consistency which is made from acrylic resins and a variety of fillers. Dental bonding is used for a variety of cosmetic dental procedures. Following are few procedures that use dental bonding:

• Filling dental cavities –“white fillings”
• Replacing amalgam or metal fillings
• Changing broken or chipped teeth
• Bridging the gap between teeth
• Reshaping teeth
• Composite veneers, also known as smile makeover

Dental composite bonding is an effective way for fillings as the material used in fillings can match the shade, translucency and even the texture of your natural teeth. Thus, you get better results than normal silver or amalgam fillings. In cosmetic dentistry, old metal fillings with tooth-colored composite are generally replaced so that users can get the best results.

Cosmetic Dentistry Improves Your Look and Smile

2009-08-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the developments and advancements in the cosmetic and restorative dentistry, almost any dental issue can be addressed without any hassles. You cane easily avail every possible treatment to get back your smile. Just visit a good dentist and explore all the options of cosmetics dentists before you undergo any treatment or surgery.

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming very popular as more and more people are availing these modern techniques to improve their smiles and looks. The dentistry has many benefits and is known for its hospitality, quality of the services and its affordable costs. The sole purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to get an improved smile through a number of procedures such as dentistry bonding, porcelain crowns, white filling, porcelain veneers, and tooth whitening. You can go for aesthetic gingavectomy, a procedure which can be performed by only an experienced dental specialist. Hence, go for a specialist to get the highly mastered dental service as it is about improving your smile and look.

Conscious Sedation Dentistry

2009-08-10T00:51:00.001-07:00

Millions of people visit dentist without any reason and many of them experience anxiety and irritation. However, with the availability of sedation dentistry, patients can easily overcome their pain and get the desired treatment at ease throughout any dental complications. Through many kinds of sedation techniques, dental patients can easily get the required treatment without any discomfort.

How it Works?
Generally, conscious sedation is different from complete sedation which is given under the local anesthesia. In this way, patients are actually in conscious but they don’t feel pain and discomfort that you may otherwise feel without anesthesia. Depending on the condition and treatment specification, sedation can be given. For casual or general treatment procedures, patients can be given light sedation. However for somewhat major procedures and techniques, mile to moderate sedation can be given. In this sedation phase, patients almost forget about the appointment or remember very little of the appointment. In deep sedation, patients are usually given a heavy dose. They only can breathe of their own but unable to respond to commands.

Restorative Dentistry Services include advance dental care and treatment

2009-07-30T02:25:00.000-07:00

Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry that involves with proper diagnosis of issues related with your teeth. In this method, problems such as broken teeth, damaged teeth, gums and tissues are detected by using a number of different ways. If you approach a general physician, he/she gives you instant relief by detecting your real problem and provide you with proper treatment.

Here are a few teeth issues that can be addressed by using restorative dentistry services:

Dental Implants:
Implants are done when a person loses his tooth due to some accident or any other reason. Implantation is done to fix a new tooth on the jaw line of a person so that he/she can get a better smile.

Dental Crowns:
Crown treatments are done when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. It gives a protective cover to strength the tooth and reinforces the jaw.

Dental Bridges:
People who have missing teeth, dental bridges can be the ultimate treatment. Bridges as their name indicates give a solid foundation to base to bridge the gap between the remaining healthy teeth.

Dentures:
Dentures are the process in which replacing one or more teeth has become easier than ever before. With the availability of the multitude of options, it has become easier to get tehr ight option.

Root Canal: a treatment that saves your damaged tooth

2009-07-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly, dental implants have so many benefits. However, before undergoing any treatment, it is better to consult with specialist or endodonist – a root canal specialist. In many cases, a tooth can be treated with proper treatment on time and restored to full use.

For many people, going for root canal treatment is a tough choice. Many patients don’t opt for because it may be painful. However, with the development of modern means of treatment procedures, quality treatment can be given quite easily. So, if you a compromised tooth, it is up to you, if you want to save it or get it exacted. With the availability of better facilities, you can actually make your decision straightforward.

The question is what is a compromised tooth? Well! A compromised tooth is a tooth which is at a large extent has been damaged as an outcome of an accident or some other unpleasant accidents. So, if you want to get your tooth repaired, choose the right treatment in the form of root canal.

Get Affordable Dental Services in Michigan and Ohio

2009-07-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Michigan and Ohio are two major states of the United States where you can get quality dental services as per your requirements. With the advancement of dental service and use of modern equipments, a wide choice of the dentists are available so that you can make a perfect choice while getting the right treatment for all your dental issues. Make sure, you read and cross check about your dentist so that outcome will satisfy you to the fullest. You can read profiles of dentists and check their previous dentistry services given to patients who have similar problems like yours. While searching their profiles, you should ensure to get enough information about their philosophy, expertise and educational qualifications. Experiences and qualifications of dentists are important to check when considering a dentist to get the finest treatment.

Both Michigan and Ohio are prominent states of the United States and have a population over million. Being fully-developed and highly-developed states, both Michigan and Ohio are equipped with qualified medical personnel giving a variety of dental treatments such as root canal, spa dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and others. Usually, patients have great choices when it comes to choosing the right dentist that matches the need completely.

Teeth is an essential part of your body especially they are important to get an impressive smile. Taking an expert advice of a professional dentist can help you to improve your over all dental performance on a regular basis. With tooth cleaning, tartar removing and other procedures, maintaining teeth have become so easy and convenient. After getting your proper teeth x-ray and conducting other examination, your dentist will advice you the ways that help the brightness of your smile in the longer run.

Tooth extraction

2009-07-05T20:39:00.001-07:00

What should you expect when you are scheduled for a tooth extraction?
When having an extraction, today's modern procedures and follow up care as recommended by your dentist are there to provide you the patient great benefit and comfort.

Your dentist will numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow, in most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal.

Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing. It is usually best not to smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw, for 24 hours. These activities could dislodge the clot and delay healing.

For the first few days, if you must rinse, rinse your mouth gently afterward, for pain or swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don't clean the teeth next to the tooth socket.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a condition that sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted. When the socket is slow to heal, the condition can be very painful for three to five days or so.

Your dentist's treatment may include cleaning the site and placing a medicated dressing in the socket, which helps provide relief of pain. The dentist may change the dressing daily until the pain diminishes and the socket begins to heal. The dentist may recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or prescribe other pain relievers.

Cigarette smoking or other tobacco use can delay healing and should be avoided.

Dental Crown: The Procedure

2009-07-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Do you need to undergo a dental cavity problems or any other problem? If your answer is yes, then you should get a dental crown done before anything unpleasant happen to your teeth. Placement of dental crown is not too bad and you can easily get workable solution for your teeth.

The procedure of dental crown:
Dental crowns are used effectively to repair severely damaged teeth that are already cracked, chipped or broken. In this procedure, you may have to visit your dental expert twice; in first session, your teeth will get examined and look for its candidature for the crown. In the second phase, the actual crown placement will be done. During the first visit, the surgeon will take proper x-ray for your teeth in order to determine the extent of decay. By examining the existing condition of teeth, you will be given proper treatment of filling the decayed portion.

In your second visit to your dentist, you will receive the actual treatment. A dentist usually takes the impression of your teeth by using paste or putty. After that, he/she provides for a protective temporary crown (the process will take at least two to three weeks). Nowadays, crowns made up of porcelain are used for making dental crowns.

Relaxation Dentistry

2009-07-03T21:27:00.001-07:00

Relaxation dentistry is the best way to get rid of phobias and fears related with dental issues. Thanks to new technological developments and dental treatments, patients can get proper treatments while they enjoy a complete relaxed state of mind. After all, getting the right treatment in the most relaxed and comfortable environment is everyone’s right.

In this treatment procedure, some pills of sedation are generally given to patients so that they achieve the highest level of comfort and relaxation. However, the attained level of sedation is quite different with general anesthesia. This is quite safe and patients can breathe easily. In addition, the medications provided in this type of treatment is 100% reversible so, there is absolutely no need to worry. Relaxation dentistry has revolutionized the way normal dentistry treatment was provided to needy patients. Different kinds of medications are provided to patients after assessing their needs in varying lengths for ensuring safe and effective results for all.

Dental bridges give strong support to teeth structure

2009-07-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

Dental care has become an important concern for everyone, these days. Almost everyone tries hard to keep the condition of their teeth good. Besides brushing properly, a regular visit to your dentist can really help you to maintain the composure of your teeth in a longer run. Dentists can advise you the proper ways to maintain the shape and composure of your teeth. Unfortunately, many times we may come across incidents that require professional repair work. Incidents such as accidents and others force a person to get proper treatment before he or she lose a tooth or face any further embarrassing situation. Dental bridges are an excellent way to restore a broken or missing tooth. It helps in boosting confidence and fixes your tooth naturally. After undergoing dental bridge treatment, it is impossible for anyone to guess if the tooth is artificial.

In this treatment, the false or artificial tooth is anchored to on or two adjacent teeth, giving a string base for your entire teeth structure. Dental bridges are a permanent fixture that allows a person to get back his or her original smile.

A Guide to Dental Bridges

2009-06-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

As it name suggests, a dental bridge is a custom-made false tooth or teeth that can be placed between two healthy teeth and fills the missing gap between the teeth. Dental bridge surgery has become a common procedure as many people are coming up to take advantage of dental bridge surgery. The process is done by using porcelain crowns placed between the teeth on each side space to be filled.

Interestingly, bridge created by a cosmetic dentist does not have metal in it and it easily gets absorbs light giving a natural look to the wearer. It is not here that bridges made up of porcelain have metal that may look unnatural.

Getting bridges treatment is important as they reduce the chances of gum diseases and controls the constant shifting of remaining teeth. In addition, bridges improve bite problems and enhance speech as well.

People who take bridge treatment may have to face minor tenderness in the area which can be corrected by take pain killers in advance. In addition, there are no as such complications involved with the bridge treatment. However, by following the guidelines provided by the surgeon, even any minor problem can get healed easily.

Dental implants for Getting Necessary Support and Functionality

2009-06-24T22:44:00.001-07:00

Smile is an instant feeling that develops whenever a person hears anything interesting, funny or in a conversation. Many people want to smile and laugh but fear about the unevenness of their teeth structure or any other dental problem. Thanks to the advanced technology and development of new treatments, your cost can actually return to you.

People with missing teeth can find dental implants really useful. Facing difficulty while chewing anything or have to cover up face every time you open your mouth to laugh? These problems are common and proper treatments are available every where. Dental implants are the absolute answer to your problem. With advanced implants, fixing missing teeth is so easy and you would get natural look as well. Dental implants can lifetime, if you are having implants through an expert and reliable professional. Seeing the success rate of dental implants, many people are going for dental implants and getting desired results.

In this procedure, expert dental implant specialists actually fix an artificial tooth in place of tooth less gap into your mouth. Dental implants give the necessary support to your teeth and its functionality.

Map

2009-06-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Teeth Whitening: A key to a happy and brightening smile

2009-06-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

A glittering smile is simply irresistible. No wonder, millions of people are going for teeth whitening option to earn a million dollar smile. In a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, it is found that about 74% of adults are under impression that a bad or imperfect smile can contribute towards the failure in career. In addition, 99.98% of the surveyed people agree that a good smile is the key to enjoy a happy social life. Interestingly, about 96% feel that a smile can attract people from opposite sex. As a result, a teeth whitening has expanded into a $300 million industry now. Above all, number of patients has just tripled in over last few years.

If you are thinking of undergoing a teeth whitening treatment options are endless for you. Explore your neighboring dental facilities and get the bets possible teeth whitening treatments including dentist teeth whitening, over-the-counter teeth whitening, laser teeth whitening, and others in affordable ranges.

Dental Veneer: For Getting a Million Dollar Smile

2009-06-24T22:35:00.001-07:00

Dental Veneers also referred as Porcelain Veneers are customized dental shells that protect uneven tooth alignment, minimize or eliminate spacing between teeth, broken or crack teeth, and checking for discolored teeth. Dental veneers treatments are given to patients to improve their look of teeth so that they can smile freely and glitter the shine everywhere.

So, if you are having problems such as broken, worn down, misaligned, damaged or discolored teeth due to any bad eating habit or any other problem, getting proper dental veneer can help you a lot. Veneer treatments are given to hide the original shape, color, size and length of your teeth and used as a part of cosmetic dentistry to enhance your over all look. You can smile without any hesitation and give a beautiful, aligning and refreshing smile anytime.

One of the striking features of getting a veneer treatment is its worthiness in the longer run. Dental veneer is used effectively for a long time. In this procedure, dental veneers are made up either from resin veneers or from porcelain veneers to give powerful support for improving your dental appearance.