January 30th, 2012 amogell
Why do you need a root canal? For most people it is because a tooth has been damaged by decay or accident. 
Root canal therapy works to heal the inside structure of the tooth which has been damaged and infected. The pulp inside your tooth is made up of of arteries, veins, nerves and lymphatic vessels. This is what gives nourishment to the tooth which keeps it strong and healthy. The pulp of your tooth is also the part that feels the difference between hot and cold and it is the part that lets you know when something is wrong.
Problems with the pulp can start with bacterial infections caused by tooth decay or trauma. The tissue in the tooth begins to break down and die and you begin to feel pain. At this point you can either remove the tooth and replace it with an implant.
Most of the time we try to be conservative and keep the tooth. To cure the infection we clean out the pulp and replace it with a biocompatible sealer to fill the space — a root canal. Modern anesthetics ensure that you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure and digital x-rays allow us to instantly see how treatment is progressing.
Many people feel anxiety about dental visits. This tends to increase for root canal visits because people have heard horror stories from many years ago. Don’t worry, if you feel extremely nervous about your needed root canal please let us know. Sedation dentistry offers you options for receiving this needed care without fear or anxiety.
Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care in the Columbus, OH area today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next appointment.
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January 3rd, 2012 amogell
How many New Year’s resolutions did you make? Three days later how many have dropped by the wayside? Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US so prevention should be on your list of resolutions for 2012.
Resolve to get your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular schedule and you’ll be helping your heart health without ever stepping inside a gym.
Research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in November showed that people who had their teeth cleaned had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke. By removing inflammation-causing bacteria from your teeth you reduce your heart disease risk.
What is your reason for not keeping those dental hygiene appointments? Many people avoid dental cleanings because of anxiety or a fear of dental visits. Using sedation dentistry you can easily get the dental care you need, even preventative care like cleanings, without feeling anxious or afraid. Several types of sedation are available to our patients and all of the team members at StoneRidge Dental Care are understanding and supportive.
In the Columbus, Ohio area please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy at 614-476-6696 today to find out more about sedation dentistry.
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December 20th, 2011 amogell
For smokers it is probably the resolution they make every New Year. Quitting smoking offers all sorts of health benefits and it is well known that smoking contributes to harmful bacteria in the mouth that are responsible for gum disease. Scientists have also known that when smokers quit, the microbe population in their mouths change. What they didn’t know was whether or not smoking could reverse the colonization of bad bacteria.
A study reported in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found more good reasons to quit smoking. Patients with chronic gum disease that quit smoking while undergoing treatment had lower number of harmful bacteria in their mouths. Even more impressive – the number of good bacteria increased! A win-win situation for the patient in many ways.
A long term study completed by researchers from The Ohio State University and Newcastle University showed that those study participants that quit smoking had a reduction in their levels of harmful bacteria and an increase in health-associated or “good for you” bacteria. “These results indicate a critical role for smoking cessation counseling in periodontal therapy for smokers,” according to the report.
This study did not include patients that used other forms of tobacco, only smokers. It will be interesting to see if anyone completes a similar study using smokeless forms of tobacco.
Diagnosing and treating gum disease in its early stages is best. However, if you have been living with chronic gum disease for some time don’t despair. Treatment for gum disease has changed significantly over the years and a healthy smile is easier to achieve that you might guess. Contact StoneRidge Dental Care in Columbus, OH today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your appointment – and if fear or anxiety have been keeping you from visiting the dentist remember that dentistry with “a little pill” can make your visit calm and anxiety free.
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November 29th, 2011 amogell
Feeling fearful and anxious about going to the dentist is a huge problem for some people and an article in the Columbus Dispatch talks about how dental professionals can help anxious patients get the treatment they need.
About 25% of fearful patients have reported having a bad experience in the dental chair as the reason for their anxiety. Other patients may fear having a painful procedure. I have talked to patients who never had a bad experience or a painful experience at the dentist but still expressed fear.
Whatever the reason, the fear is real for these patients and so is their need for treatment. Small cavities can become large ones which can lead to more complicated and costly treatment so it is especially important for those suffering from dental anxiety to visit the dentist regularly — prevention is especially important!
Here at StoneRidge Dental Care we work closely with our patients to ease their fears. For patients who are extremely anxious we can offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry allows you to receive the dental care that you need while in a completely relaxed state.
For more information about sedation dentistry or to schedule your consultation please contact StoneRidge Dental Care serving the Columbus, OH area at 614-476-6696 today. You can have the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of!
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October 14th, 2011 amogell
Even though the importance of healthy gums for diabetic patients has been well documented a new report in the British Dental Journal has confirmed that most diabetes patients do not understand the link. Researchers surveyed adults visiting a diabetes clinic and discovered that only 13% of participants knew that swollen or tender gums could be affected by diabetes and vice-versa — that their diabetes could make their gum disease worse.
Inflammation from gums with periodontal disease can make it more difficult for diabetics to manage their blood sugar levels, can lead to increased deaths from oral cancer and is linked to heart disease. This study shows that patient education about the importance of oral health and its effects on general health is still lacking. At StoneRidge Dental Care we believe it is important that our patients understand these links. For diabetic patients it is especially important that brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting the dentist on a regular basis become part of their normal routine.
Protecting the health of your gums and teeth by scheduling regular dental hygiene visits starts with a simple phone call to Mark Levy, DDS in the Columbus, OH area at 614-476-6696. If you have avoided dental visits because of anxiety or fear please remember to ask about sedation dentistry. You can receive all the dental care you have been putting off without anxiety or discomfort.
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September 1st, 2011 amogell
The sound of the dentist drill. One of the things that people complain (and joke about) when visiting the dental office. Researchers in England have discovered a new way to treat cavities that may do away with the high pitched whine of the dental drill in the future.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria which live in your mouth. Keeping these bacteria under control is the reason we stress brushing and flossing every day. A “side effect” of all of these bacteria is the acid that they produce. This acid dissolves the minerals in your teeth causing microscopic holes. These tiny holes can then grow and form cavities.
Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that a peptide based fluid can be brushed onto teeth at the first signs of tooth decay and can stop the decay process. The technology is based on how teeth are formed and stimulates the tooth to regenerate. The fluid seeps into the microscopic holes and forms a gel, this gel then provides a framework that attracts calcium and rebuilds the missing minerals from within the tooth. Natural and pain free cavity correction.
“This may sound to good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves” said Jennifer Kirkham. The fluid was recently tested on a small number of patients who had early signs of tooth decay. The results showed that the peptide technology could reverse the damage.
“The main reason that people don’t go to the dentist regularly is fear. If we can offer a treatment that is completely non-invasive, that doesn’t involve a mechanical drill, then we can change that perceived link between dental treatment and pain” said Dr. Paul Brunton who oversaw the patient testing. He continued “… this is a novel approach that enables the patients to keep their natural teeth.”
Until this technology reaches dental offices we need to rely on the current methods of dealing with tooth decay. Prevention is key– brush and floss daily and don’t forget to visit your dental hygienist regularly for professional cleanings. If you avoid visiting the dentist because of fear and are avoiding treating cavities then sedation dentistry can help. Sedation dentistry lets you have the treatment you need without anxiety or fear with just one little pill.
For more information about sedation dentistry and how we can help you get the care you need please contact StoneRidge Dental Care in Gahanna at 614-476-6696.
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February 1st, 2011 amogell
Fear of dentists is a popular topic for TV comedians. If you suffer from dental anxiety, however, you know that it is no laughing matter. Some studies suggest that up to 75% of the population experiences some type of anxiety over dental visits. For most patients this is merely mild anxiety but some people delay or avoid dental treatment for years.
Putting off needed dental care only leads to higher expenses and even more treatment needed down the road. This is because existing problems only continue to get worse over time. Modern dental practices are much different than the places that our grandparent’s visited and many treatment options are available.
Sedation dentistry, also called relaxation dentistry, allows dentists to give patients with dental fears much needed treatment without the patient experiencing the anxiety that usually comes with their dental care. Depending upon the needs of the patient there are various types of sedation available ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral sedation. The vast majority of patients are able to receive all their needed care using a mild oral sedative that allows them to completely relax. Sedation dentistry allows years of dental neglect to be repaired in just one visit.
If you experience fear or apprehension when visiting the dentist please contact Dr. Mark Levy today at 7614-476-6696 to discuss your options for sedation dentistry. Conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio for all your cosmetic and restorative dental needs.
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December 24th, 2010 amogell
In the US more than $50 billion is spent each year on the treatment of cavities and tooth decay is a major public health problem worldwide. Prevention of cavities has made great strides over the past several decades. Fluoride added to toothpaste, mouthwash and municipal water supplies has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent decay.
The fact that fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to decay has been known by scientists for a long time – but new research has shown that the protective shield that fluoride helps form on teeth is 100 times thinner than previously believed. The scientists are now questioning whether a layer that is so thin and which can be easily worn away by chewing, can really shield teeth from decay or if there is some other effect on the teeth enamel that is not yet understood. A new study is planned that will search for the answer.
In the meantime, we do understand that good home care, including brushing and flossing properly, combined with regular professional dental cleanings and check-ups can reduce cavity formation. Regular dental care actually saves money in the long-run! If cavities can be prevented, or detected when very small, fewer and smaller dental restorations are required. Leaving you with a healthier smile!
Preventative care is important at any age. Fluoride is not just for children and regular dental cleanings should be standard for all members of your family. Some people feel anxious or fearful about dental appointments and avoid this needed preventive care. There is a solution to this problem.
If you or a family member suffers from anxiety or fear about dental appointments please ask us about your options for sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry offers you a safe, effective way of managing your anxiety and receiving the dental care you need in a calm relaxed state.
In the Columbus, Ohio area please contact Dr. Mark Levy at 614-476-6696 and ask about your options for sedation dentistry.
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November 6th, 2010 amogell
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fish oil, may be effective for treatment and prevention of periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when gum infection such as gingivitis is left untreated. The infection spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. The teeth eventually become loose and fall out. Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
The study showed that people who had the highest amount of polyunsaturated fats as a part of their diet were approximately 20% less likely to have periodontitis. Foods that contain significant amounts of the good fats include fatty fish like salmon, peanut butter and nuts.
Dr. Elizabeth Kaye of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine noted three interesting results emerged from this study. One was that the odds of developing periodontal disease were significantly reduced even when the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was modest. She notes that the study also showed that more is not better in this case – higher intake did not create any further reduction in the odds of having the disease. Thirdly, the results did not change when dietary sources plus supplements were studied. This means that getting a moderate dose of these good fats through diet seem to work just as well as adding pills.
What does this mean for our patients? At this time we know that eating good fats such as salmon and nuts a few times per week are good for lots of things in our bodies – now we are adding gum health to the list. Popping fish oil pills won’t cure your periodontal disease however. Treatment by a dental professional is required to reverse the damage done by infection and inflammation.
If you have any of the following symptoms you have a type of gum disease and should seek treatment as soon as possible. The disease does not go away on its own and will only worsen over time.
- Bad Breath
- Bright red or reddish purple gums
- Shiny or swollen gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Loose teeth
Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care at 614-476-6696 as soon as possible to arrange your appointment. If you have avoided dental care due to fear or anxiety please ask about your options for sedation dentistry. At StoneRidge Dental Care you can get the care that you need without worry.
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October 19th, 2010 amogell
As many as 20% of patients who don’t make regular trips to the dentist cite the fear of dentists as the primary reason why they don’t seek regular dental treatment.
Since it is so important for patients to receive regular dental care for overall health, here at StoneRidge Dental we try to encourage our patients to keep their regular dental appointments by making visits as comfortable and stress free as possible. In addition to the early detection of dental problems like oral bone loss, infection, and gum disease, poor dental hygiene can also lead to an increased risk of strokes and heart disease. Part of your comprehensive examination also includes a regular check for oral cancer, which may otherwise go undetected.
The fear of dentists can be the result of numerous situations, but is frequently the result of the anticipation of pain, either involving the procedure itself or the needles that are associated with the numbing process. Many older patients may have endured dental treatments that were unduly painful prior to modern pain free dental techniques.
A feeling of not being in control may also result in a fear of dentists and in some rare cases, a phobia of dental care.
Despite the nature of fearful symptoms in some patients, there are numerous options that are available to provide successful dental treatment.
Sedation dentistry uses a range of medications and most anxious patients respond well to it. While local anesthetics may also be needed during a potentially painful procedure, the injection is usually given following the administration of a sedative. Before appointments, oral sedatives may be given to patients inducing a feeling of relaxation. Another tool that is used in sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide which gives the patient a calm and relaxed feeling when it is inhaled.
Please contact my Columbus, Ohio full-service dental office today to discuss your options for anxiety-free dental treatment. Get the care you need without the stress by calling 614-476-6696 today.
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