SERVICE WITH A SMILE
By maintaining good oral-health practices at home and scheduling regular office visits, most patients can avoid many common dental problems. Daily brushing and flossing, and the application of sealants, can help youngsters avoid tooth decay. Adults can avert their most common problem, gum disease, with regular professional care. In cases where tooth loss, breakage, or misalignment does occur, the dentist is expert in a variety of advanced restoration and replacement techniques. In addition, there are a number of cosmetic procedures, including tooth whitening, veneers, and bonding, that effectively remedy chipped, discolored, and gapped teeth. The more patients know about dental health, the better their smiles. In the weeks and months ahead, this column will address all aspects of dental care.
GETTING YOUR TEETH INTO SHAPE
It only takes an irregularity or defect as seemingly slight as a small chip or worn edge on a front tooth to significantly detract from a smile. Fortunately, the dentist may be able to restore the smile to its former beauty through tooth contouring and reshaping. This cosmetic procedure involves changing the size or shape of the irregular tooth, thereby restoring it to its former appearance. The procedure typically entails one office visit, during which the dentist uses various tools to carefully polish small areas of the surface enamel. Then, the edges of the newly reshaped tooth are smoothed. After contouring, the treated tooth fits in better with adjacent teeth in terms of both shape and size.
IF PATIENTS HAD A WAND
If dental patients could wave a magic wand, many might wish that the discomfort associated with an injection of local anesthetic would disappear. In fact, it is not the prick of the needle so much as the pressure and volume of fluid being injected into the gums and soft tissues that some find so uncomfortable. Understanding this phenomenon can help patients realize why the computer-controlled local anesthesia injection system known as The Wand can provide a more comfortable and effective anesthetic delivery. The Wand utilizes a microprocessor to automatically compensate for different tissue densities and deliver anesthetic at a constant pressure and volume that is typically below the pain threshold of a patient, resulting in greater comfort.
JUST SCRAPING BY
Without proper treatment, older patients with periodontal disease face the potential for tooth loss. The object of treatment for periodontal (gum) disease is to remove plaque; calculus; and other products associated with plaque accumulation that have the potential to destroy gums, bone, and supporting structures around the teeth. To this end, the dentist and/or hygienist may scale (scrape) teeth to remove sticky plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) from exposed tooth surfaces. Accessible root surfaces may also be planed to make them smooth. As a result of these efforts, bacteria are removed and find it difficult to reattach to tooth surfaces. This, in turn, fosters the reattachment of connective tissue to the tooth, which serves to hold teeth in place.
GOING THROUGH A ROUGH PATCH
A comprehensive oral exam involves both an examination of the teeth and a close inspection of the soft tissues of the mouth. One condition the dentist or hygienist will be looking for are “leukoplakia.” This generic term applies to any type of white patch that occurs inside the mouth that cannot be easily scraped off. In some cases, these patches represent calluses or some other benign condition. In others, leukoplakia are associated with smoking and regular, heavy alcohol use. If so, they are considered to be a precancerous condition. Smokers and heavy drinkers may have tongues with white or brown coatings that are common manifestations of leukoplakia. Most cases are not serious, but others could be life-threatening if left untreated.
Your dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified.
NERVOUS ABOUT SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT?
Many people experience dental anxiety to the point where they deny themselves the treatment they need to maintain good oral health. If the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair makes you nervous, you are encouraged to call the office and schedule a consultation. During your visit, the dentist can discuss the various methods that can be utilized to make your visits as comfortable as possible. To begin with, sedation treatment is available, which can render the whole experience a pleasant one for patients. Beyond that, there is needle-free anesthesia and lasers that can take the place of drills. Both are designed to render treatment pain-free. Most importantly, the dentist can establish a truthful, trusting relationship that assures confidence.
We are sympathetic about these feelings, and you can ask us about ways to help. For all your dental concerns, we invite you to come see us at the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI. We provide a full range of dental treatments, including sedation, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Our entire staff is dedicated to helping you look and feel better. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where you’ll find our office to be as pleasant as it is professional every time you visit. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
PREGNANCY AND TOOTH LOSS
The old adage “for every child she has, a mother loses a tooth” has largely been disparaged by dentists as outmoded. However, recent research suggests that there is a bit of truth behind this old wives’ tale. According to the study of 2,635 women, those with no children had lost one to two teeth while women with children tended to lose more. Looking specifically at women in the 35- to 49-years age range, researchers found that those with just one child had lost an average of three teeth, and women with two children lost an average of four. The number of teeth lost increased to five for women with three children and seven for those with four or more children.
P.S. It’s not that tooth loss inevitably comes with pregnancy, but that pregnancy poses challenges (such as susceptibility to gingivitis) that women must adequately address in order to maintain good oral health.
NEW WAY TO END RECESSION
A promising new treatment may provide dental patients with another option for treating receding gums. The traditional treatment for this problem involves surgically grafting tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transplanting it onto the patient’s receding gums. The alternate procedure, known as “guided tissue regeneration” (GTR), begins with drawing blood from the patient, from which blood cells known as platelets are retrieved. The value of these platelets to dental researchers rests with the fact that they are rich in proteins called “growth factors,” which promote tissue repair and wound healing. Researchers found that soaking a collagen membrane with the platelets, then suturing it over the exposed tooth root, provided results comparable to the grafting method.
P.S. While guided tissue regeneration for the purpose of treating receding gums is not yet widely available, it is expected to be performed much more often in the future.
DO MEN BRUSH AS OFTEN AS WOMEN?
When the American Dental Association recently conducted a national survey, they found that men and women differ when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. According to the nationally representative survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older, 86 percent of women brush their teeth twice or more a day while only 66 percent of men make the same effort to keep their teeth clean. As far as flossing is concerned, there is room for improvement for both genders. Slightly less than half of those surveyed (49%) indicated that they floss their teeth once a day or more. One out of three people surveyed think that bleeding gums after brushing their teeth is normal—but it is not.
P.S. According to the survey mentioned above, women replace toothbrushes every three to four months on average while men retain theirs an average of five months.
CLOSING THE GAP
Gaps between the upper two front teeth may appear for the simple reason that there is more room than necessary to accommodate all of the teeth. Otherwise, it may be that the muscle attachment (frenum) that is found between the upper lip and the upper dental arch (in the area of the two front teeth) is too large or fibrous. If so, the front teeth may splay. A simple surgical procedure may be all that is necessary in this case to relieve the pressure exerted by the frenum. After that, the gap between the two front teeth may be closed using a bonding procedure that builds up tooth material on both sides of the space.
P.S. A frenectomy is a surgical procedure in which the frenum is cut away from the gum so that its attachment will be further away from the teeth.
INCORRECTLY PEGGED FROM THE BEGINNING
So-called “peg laterals” are small, cone-shaped teeth that develop on either side on the top two front teeth. These undersized teeth appear to be “baby teeth” surrounded by larger permanent teeth. As a result, the smile looks imbalanced. Fortunately, the dentist can restore peg laterals to the size of normally developed incisors by building them up with composite material. This tooth-colored resin restoration requires no anesthetic and can be accomplished in one visit. After the dentist acid-etches the tooth’s enamel so it can properly accept the resin, layer upon layer of resin is applied to the tooth. After the composite material cures properly, the augmented tooth is shaped and polished. The result compares favorably with surrounding natural teeth.
STICKING TO YOUR GUMS
Composite restoration restores a peg lateral to normal shape, color and position. There are an abundance of innovative technologies and devices available to help us improve the quality and comfort of care we deliver. Preventive care starts at home. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, we stress preventive dentistry for the entire family. Be sure to regularly brush, floss, and have professional cleanings. When was the last time you had a dental checkup? Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. Smiles are our business. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard. We cater to your needs.
It is estimated that four out of five U.S. adults have some form of gum disease, which ranges from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious disease (periodontitis) that has the potential to damage bone and loosen teeth. For these reasons alone, adults have good reason to stop gum disease before it has a chance to cause severe damage. Without conscientious attention to brushing and flossing at home and regular professional cleanings, gums may become red and swollen, and bleed easily. In addition, the gums may form pockets around teeth that harbor bacteria-laden plaque. This colorless, sticky film can solidify as tartar, which has been likened to the barnacles on a ship and is similarly difficult to remove.
ADOPTING GOOD HABITS
Even before infants’ baby teeth erupt, parents can take steps to ensure their children’s oral health. Beginning with using a damp gauze pad to gently wipe baby’s gums, parents can remove residual milk, formula, and fruit juices from the mouth. These liquids contain sugars that bacteria feed on and produce acids that attack teeth. For this reason, a baby should not be allowed to fall asleep with a bottle of juice or formula in his or her mouth. Parents should start brushing their children’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. Flossing to prevent cavities between teeth should start when two teeth have erupted next to each other.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year. Primary teeth help children chew and speak. This column is brought to you in the interest of better dental health. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, you can expect us to give you gentle, comforting care using the most up-to-date techniques and equipment. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where our trained professional staff works as a team to make your visits pleasant. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. We will always discuss your treatment options with you. We cater to your needs.
MAKING THE CEREC CHOICE
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is CAD/CAM technology that utilizes a camera, computer, and milling machine to fabricate a precise tooth-colored, single-tooth restoration. This advanced computerized technique enables the dentist to create inlays, onlays, and full crowns in a single office visit without impressions, temporaries, or second office visits. This is accomplished by using a special camera to take a picture of the damaged tooth, the image of which is then displayed on a screen. The dentist next uses CAD (Computer Aided Design) technology to design a restoration that is then milled from porcelain using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology. Within one hour, the patient can enjoy a beautifully restored tooth.
From common problems to gum disease, we provide an array of dental services to meet your needs all in one convenient location. Using the latest technology, such as described in today’s column, our experienced staff works together as a team to give you exceptional quality treatment from the time you walk in for your initial visit. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, preventive dentistry is our goal for every patient. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where we take pride in our ability to provide quality dental care in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
We cater to your needs.
P.S. Because CEREC porcelain crowns contain no metal, there is no dark line at the gumline.
SUFFICIENT BONE FOR AN IMPLANT?
One of the primary requirements for successful dental implant surgery is a sufficient amount of bone to accommodate the titanium implant. In most cases, bone will usually fill in the socket left by an extraction within three months. However, if the walls of the socket are particularly thin, there may not be enough bone to accept the implant. This is particularly true of the upper and lower front teeth, where there may be only a thin ridge of bone (unlike the wide area of jawbone at the back of the mouth, where the molars reside). If so, a bone graft can be placed in the socket to help the body fill the hole left by the tooth root with bone.
Almost any adult in reasonably good health is a candidate for dental implants. We invite you to come see us for all of your dental needs. Good experience with dentistry is based on making the right choice in a family dentist and in taking the right steps to keep dental costs at a minimum through self-care at home between visits. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, we strive to teach good oral hygiene. In the long run you will have better dental health and, of course, spend far fewer dollars. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where we’re currently accepting new patients. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
ROOT CAUSE
The reason that so many patients regard root canal (endodontic) treatment as painful is that they confuse the condition that makes treatment necessary with the treatment itself. If dental decay is not dealt with promptly, bacteria may infect tooth pulp. This inflammation or infection can, in turn, lead to an abscess if left untreated. Symptoms include aching or throbbing pain in the tooth. At this point, endodontic treatment is indicated. This procedure, which relieves painful symptoms, involves removal of the nerve and vascular tissue (pulp) from the root and pulp chamber, as well as any associated decayed tooth structure. After the inside of the tooth is carefully shaped and cleaned, it is filled, sealed, and ready for a crown.
Modern root canal therapy can usually be performed with little or no discomfort. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, our experienced dental and support staff takes pride in providing the most comprehensive care possible for all members of your family in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Remember, when you look good, you feel good. We have the technology that can give you a confident and beautiful smile. When you come to visit us at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, you can expect the highest level of restorative dentistry available. Call us at 630.620.8304 for an appointment. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
WISE CHOICE?
“Wisdom teeth,” which are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, are somewhat controversial. While some people retain these teeth their whole lives, others choose to have them extracted, sometimes before they emerge from beneath the surface of the gums. The decision to remove wisdom teeth or leave them alone is one that should be made with the dentist. During an evaluation between ages 16 and 19 years of age, the dentist may recommend extraction if a wisdom tooth is crowding other teeth, causes pain, or has become impacted (stuck below the surface). Infection is another good reason to have a wisdom tooth extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth are often extracted by age 20 to prevent potential future problems.
The relative ease at which your dentist can extract your wisdom teeth depends on their position. The entire staff of the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI encourages your questions about comprehensive dental care. We supply superior oral health care for the entire family. For answers to your oral health issue questions we invite you to call our office at 630.620.8304. Your health is our first priority. We are pleased to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard. Our goal is to make each visit to our office a comfortable and positive experience. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
CORROSIVE EFFECT OF EATING DISORDER
The eating disorder known as bulimia poses a problem for the teeth that may be overlooked. Repeated purging of stomach acids can cause significant loss of tooth enamel. In one such case, a person with a history of bulimia began treatment to correct a closed bite, characterized by decreased vertical tooth dimension and an abnormal overbite in which the lower jaw protrudes. Due to stomach acid-induced enamel loss, the patient’s incisors lost one-third to one-half of their original length. The closed bite was caused by over-eruption of the lower incisors into the space created by eroded teeth. Fortunately, treatment of the eating problem led to aesthetic correction involving porcelain veneer crowns that could be used to restore the damaged teeth.
Many people suffering from bulimia are able to hide the disorder from others but it is more difficult to keep it a secret from their dentists. Changes inside the mouth of a bulimic can be detected during the course of a routine dental examination. A good experience with dentistry is based on making the right choice in a family dentist. If you don’t have a dentist at this time, at the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI we’re currently accepting new patients. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
PLASMA JETS INSTEAD OF DRILLS?
The future of dentistry may be more akin to science fiction than patients might ever have believed. In fact, it seems that new research involving streams of bacteria-killing plasma may replace today’s drills in the near future. Plasma is formed when electrons are emitted by energized gases. In this case, researchers used a relatively cool beam of purple plasma to eliminate oral bacteria in dental cavities. The plasma beam removed dentin (the material beneath the enamel that comprises the majority of the tooth) more selectively than a conventional drill. While this research is preliminary, researchers believe that plasma jets can be ready for removing tooth decay in as few as three to five years.
This would certainly make visits to the dentist's office a bit less nerve-racking. Talk to us at the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI about any dental concerns. As your dental professional, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality dental care for you and your family, in a relaxing and comfortable environment. A good experience with dentistry is based on making the right choice in a family dentist and in taking steps to keep dental costs at a minimum through self-care at home between visits. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
LASER TOOTH-DECAY DETECTION
While x-rays and probing instruments are important tools for identifying tooth decay, a laser that detects cavities can uncover even the smallest amounts of decay in the hardest-to-reach places. The DIAGNodent utilizes a laser-probe hand piece that emits pulsed light of a known wavelength on tooth surfaces. Once a baseline measurement of the patient’s healthy tooth surfaces is established, further examination of potentially problematic areas creates changing levels of fluorescent light, which the unit’s internal processor interprets. An audible signal warns of an indication of caries (tooth decay). The laser unit can also be used to keep track of early symptoms of tooth decay, which translates into earlier treatment and better tooth preservation.
DIAGNOdent is the revolutionary new way to find even the smallest areas of tooth decay. By using this new technology, the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI is able to target and treat all of your small problem areas before they turn into larger issues that require more complicated procedures. At your next appointment we’ll be happy to discuss all your dental options in detail with you. We are a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals who want you to look and feel your best. Call us at 630.620.8304 and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard. Come smile with us! Healthy teeth and gums for life.
DENTURE-ADHESIVE ADVISORY
Denture-wearing patients should know that GlaxoSmithKline has ceased manufacture of their denture adhesives Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh, and Extra Care over concerns of “potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products.” While the manufacturer states that their products are safe when used as directed, use of excessive amounts of the product over a period of years may pose a threat of neurological symptoms and blood problems (such as anemia) linked with ingestion of the adhesive. It should be noted that zinc is not absorbed through the mouth, but only when swallowed. As a precaution against unwanted effects arising from misuse of the product, GlaxoSmithKline plans to reformulate their products without zinc.
Do you use denture-adhesive? As is the case in many products, there are a number of options consumers have regarding denture adhesives. Complete denture treatment needs to be customized for each patient's particular needs. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, we are currently accepting new patients. If you know of anyone in need of quality dental care we would appreciate your referrals. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where our purpose is to help people reach and commit to the highest level of dental health personally appropriate to them. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
PROFESSIONALLY SUPERVISE TOOTH WHITENING
Even if you’re considering using an over-the-counter tooth whitener, the American Dental Association recommends that you consult with your dentist. This recommendation is made because tooth-whitening systems containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide can be uncomfortable for those with sensitive teeth or gum recession. In addition, most products will only whiten natural tooth enamel, which means that the presence of tooth-colored filings, veneers, crowns, or partial dentures may yield uneven results. With this in mind, the dentist can evaluate whether tooth-whitening is a good idea for your teeth. While tooth whitening usually reduces most stains caused by age, smoking, and regular coffee/tea drinking, it will not remove tooth discoloration caused by the use of tetracycline in children under age 8.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject of tooth whitening. Your smile care needs deserve an exceptional dental office, with a professional care team who provides leading-edge care and more comforts than you ever thought possible in a dentist’s office. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, we want to do more than meet your expectations – we want to exceed them. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where we make it a point to get to know you and the specific needs of your family. It’s important to us. Please call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. Having nice looking teeth gives a boost to health and happiness. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION
In some cases, patients’ teeth may be so decayed, injured/fractured, or worn/eroded that they may require extensive treatment known as “full mouth reconstruction.” Also known as “full mouth restoration” and “full mouth rehabilitation,” this rebuilding/restoring process typically involves every tooth in both the upper and lower jaws. The process begins with a thorough examination and evaluation of the patient’s teeth, gums, and occlusion (bite). It continues with an assessment of the color, shape, size, and proportion of the teeth with respect to how they relate to the gums, lips, mouth, side profile, and face. Then, after taking x-rays, impressions, and photographs, the dentist (in conjunction with specialists, if necessary) can recommend procedures and techniques for totally restoring the teeth.
Our commitment to patient care translates into specialized care for each patient. Every person we treat has a unique dentition and oral health condition, so we take pride in designing customized treatment plans. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, we want you to receive the highest quality, complete, and affordable dental care. We keep abreast of all new procedures, and we would like to increase public awareness of the importance of preventive oral health care. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard, where our aim is to provide individual attention and care to every patient so that we can learn about his or her special needs. Call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
P.S. Full mouth restoration can include procedures such as crown lengthening; gum recontouring; jaw surgery; permanent restorations (crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, veneers, and implants); and orthodontics.
ON PINS AND NEEDLES
Thanks to a host of technical and procedural developments, most patients view a visit to the dentist with little, if any, trepidation. However, if you are wary of going to the dentist, you are not alone. It is estimated that one in 20 people suffers from severe anxiety about dentistry (known as odontophobia), and about one-third of all people say they experience moderate anxiety when visiting the dentist. Fortunately, the dentist can effectively work with anxious and fearful patients who make their concerns known. Patients can avail themselves of treatments such as relaxation techniques and tranquilizers/sedation to lower their tension levels. Recent research shows that the ancient Chinese treatment of acupuncture also effectively quells patient anxiety and pain.
Sedation dentistry enables patients with special needs to undergo treatment without anxiety. We believe that a patient who understands his dental care options will make the best choices, so patient education is an important part of our practice. At the office of MICHAEL T. COLLETTI, we take time to listen to your concerns and develop a personalized plan to enhance your smile. Everyone wants a beautiful smile – and everyone should have a healthy one. We’re located at 237 S. Main Street, Lombard. Call 630.620.8304 to schedule an appointment for professional, gentle dental care. Healthy teeth and gums for life.
P.S. According to a recent study, dental patients who underwent five minutes of acupuncture treatment saw their Beck Anxiety Inventory scores drop from 26.5 to 11.5.
