Sealants... They are not just for Children

Sealants are not just for Children?

Sealant

What are sealants and why are they used?

Permanent teeth are prone to form cavities, (tooth decay or  caries). In these permanent teeth the most common place that this cavity forms in in the pits and grooves on the top and sides of the teeth where you brush. It is estimated that up to 75 percent of the teeth with these pits and grooves will form a cavity in your lifetime. Sealants are a thin coating of special plastic placed in the grooves of teeth. These grooves are the main area where tooth decay starts. If a sealant is well placed, it can last for many years providing protection for your teeth. Traditionally sealants are placed on the permanent  back teeth on children soon after they come into the mouth.

Are Sealants covered by Insurance?

Insurance companies will usually pay for sealants placed on the molars (the larger back teeth) until a certain age is reached. Many insurance companies will not pay for sealants on bicuspids (the smaller back teeth in front of the molars).

 Insurance companies, like any other business, set policy based on their own sets of rules These rules are provided to be competitive in the healthcare marketplace, give basic benefits, and contain costs, Benefit packages are tailored to the purchaser's (usually an employer).budget. Then insurance companies  contract with providers (dentists) and essentially dictate which services they will cover and how much the dentist can charge for the service.

Should Sealants be Placed on Teeth that Insurance does not Cover?

Yes, though the decay rate for some teeth is a little lower statistically, they are likely to develop a cavity in your lifetime. Our goal is to help patients get healthy and stay healthy. One of the ways we can do that is to seal up ALL teeth with grooves and pits. We recommend sealants on molars and bicuspids for all children and adults.

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions aboutSealants at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com

Braces, Orthodontics, Straight Teeth, Why? Crystal Lake Dentist

Why do so many people have crooked teeth?

 

straight teeth look great

Our ancient ancestors faced a different set of conditions which helped fit the size of their jaws to the size of the teeth. The reason is due to their diet. They did not have the luxury of highly processed vitamin and calorie enriched foods. Infants had to subsist on mother's milk instead of processed infant formulas with high calories and vitamin content. Children and adults also had to subsist on lower calorie harder foods that took much more effort to chew and extract nutrients. The result was that the jaws grew larger and the teeth would fit together perfectly. The result of our modern diet  and child rearing behavior is that children's jaws will not grow to their full potential... thus the teeth do not have room to fit into the smaller jaws and become crowded. Consequently 80% of the population raised on a modern highly processed, high calorie, and vitamin enriched diet will have crooked teeth.

OK so we will have crooked teeth, what is the big deal?

The big deal is twofold:

·        First as our jaws do not develop completely and mid face is pushed back. This smaller space means our airway does not develop fully. This can lead to many issues related to Sleep Apnea, enlarged tonsils, allergies, ear infections, and a multitude of related conditions including ADHD in a child. As the child becomes order Sleep Apnea can bring on many other serious conditions as well including heart disease, diabetes, stroke obesity, daytime drowsiness and other systemic inflammatory conditions.

·         Second is the problem that crooked teeth inherently affects to the longevity of the teeth. Crooked teeth will wear unevenly, lead to more tooth decay and periodontal disease, premature loss of teeth and extensive dental treatment like gum surgery, fillings crowns root canals, extractions, etc. These treatments are expensive, time consuming and possibly uncomfortable. Add to that the cost of medical treatment and the possibility of shortening of a person's life, and you quickly see that it is a big deal. 

OK so what are you recommending that we eat like our ancestors?

cave men ate raw foods

Well that would do the job, though it would be hard to do today. Instead I am recommending children be evaluated very early to get their growth on track before the adult teeth are in. Interceptive orthodontics can alter growth with easy to use removable appliances. The teeth and jaws can be aligned and growth encouraged so often no further orthodontic care is needed, or if it is needed, it will be minimal. The health benefits of interceptive orthodontics cannot be over emphasized. The other benefit may be that the full cost of treatment is lower.

interceptive orthodontic appliances

interceptive orthodontics

Can Adults as well can benefit from straighter teeth?

Absolutely they can. Teeth wearing excessively, gums receding, gum disease, and chipping, breaking cavities are all increased with crooked teeth. When the teeth are aligned well they will wear evenly, look better and stay healthier. The gum tissue will be healthier as the teeth are easier to clean which also means less cavities. Why would you not want to have this?

What other benefits would I have from straight teeth?

The most obvious one is a beautiful smile, and a better self-image. Your smile is one of your most important assets.

Many people don't want that "Braces Look", what are the options?

Invisalign

Invisalign has come a long way and continues to develop as the people's choice for orthodontics for adults and increasingly for teens. The clear aligners are easy to wear and the teeth are easy to clean. Clear braces and tooth colored orthodontic wires can also be used in some cases as well.

clear braces

Where can I find out more about interceptive orthodontics and adult braces?

beautiful healthy smiles for the entire family

We can help you determine the best choice for each and every family member. We have been treating adults and children for over 30 years. Most orthodontic offices wait until a child becomes a teenager where 90% of the growth has already taken place and the treatment options are limited. We recommend treating as early as possible to take advantage of the growth.

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Lifetime Dentistry, braces, Invisalign and interceptive orthodontics and root Canal Treatment at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com

Do Root Canals Cause Cancer?-Crysral Lake Dentist

A little history lesson please!!!

Root Canal Treatment Goes Back Thousands of Years.

There are historical instances of all manner of objects and materials being placed in the root canal space of teeth including bird droppings as a means of treating teeth. Studies and published articles go back over three hundred years demonstrating various techniques and materials to treat infected teeth. The various theories of what is being done and why are all over the place. The good news from this is that even though these practices have been discontinued, over time a common sense approach,  improved methods, and materials has led to a very consistent high success rate for root canal treatment.

Modern Root Canal treatment Begins in the Last Half of the 20th Century.

The modern ideas for root canal treatment began in the 1950's with the use of certain irrigating techniques and standardized instruments and materials. Root canal treatment has continued to evolve with advances in technology and materials so that today root canals (endodontic treatments) are highly predictable and successful when all of the necessary steps are followed. Importantly the placing of a well-fitting crown and buildup are part of a properly completed root canal treatment.

What Does This Have to do with Cancer and Other Diseases?

In the early 1900's the "focal infection" theory was developed. This theory stated that essentially a tiny localized infection would cause inflammation and disease in other body organs and systems. In addition the bacteria causing the localized infection would quickly morph into other bacteria which were much more dangerous. These more dangerous bacteria and byproducts would travel freely through the body seeking organs and body systems to damage or destroy. So some claimed that this "focal infection" was leading to cancer. Once this localized infection was removed, the other body organs and systems would recover.  This focal infection theory was popular for about 25 years and led to the amputation of many body parts. This focal infection theory stated that since teeth that were infected had previously been successfully treated with root canals were still considered infected. Consequently, the idea was advanced that all of these teeth needed to be removed. In the 1920's, studies were done by a dentist "Dr. Weston Price". He showed that these infected teeth could kill lab rabbits quickly. He also attempted to document how by removing these teeth, many people who were previously suffering from all sorts of ailments were instantly cured. For the next 25 years, this theory and Dr. Price's reports led to the removal of countless teeth. 

What Have We Learned Since Then about "Focal Infections"?

The studies by Dr. Price were and others were flawed and had no valid controls. In addition, published studies since then have failed to produce or reproduce the same effect claimed be Dr. Price. The subsequent study of abscesses, bacteremia, and blood testing of individuals find that the bacteria found in these lesions show that bacteria from the mouth play almost no role in infections in other parts of the body. We now know that bacteria do not evolve/mutate at any rate close to what Dr. Price was showing. Dr. Price had several accomplishments that did advance dentistry, however his lab experiments and claims about focal infections have placed a dark cloud over his accomplishments. 

Our Immune System is More Than Capable of Handling Oral Bacteria!

The human race would not exist if it could not handle the bacteria from the mouth. The human immune system is dealing with bacteria from the oral cavity constantly from accidental lip, cheek, tongue biting, injuries, from hard foods, flossing/tooth-brushing, dental cleanings, etc. These injuries would have killed off the host shortly after birth if the immune system could not deal with the bacteria.

Why do claims like these about dentistry circulate?

There are several reasons:

• Many in the Holistic community truly believe some of the claims that are made without any good science to back it up.  They refuse to seek out properly performed scientific tests for evidence for their beliefs.
• Many people love a good conspiracy theory as well and think that large companies and organizations are covering up the truth. 
• Many of these Holistic companies stand to make a lot of money and many are unscrupulously making false claims to do so just like the "Snake Oil Salesmen" traveling the country would do in the past.
• Many people are desperate for simple low cost alternatives to proper health care.
• Wives’ Tales and folklore abound with home brews and anecdotal miraculous recovery from illnesses that are often a coincidence.
•  

Why Root Canals have a Bad Reputation in general?

Face it you don't just walk into your dentist's office and say hey doctor, I was just passing by and thought I would like to have a root canal treatment just for fun. Root canals and severe pain are linked in the media and society.  OK let’s dissect the reason. Many people who seek a dentist for a painful tooth have waited too long to have the tooth treated hoping the "pain would go away". Well it did not and now the tooth needs to either be removed or treated with a root canal.

So what causes the pain people associate with root canals?

 I will use another body part to explain the inflammation/infection process. If you injured your thumb by either getting an infected splinter in it or hitting it with a hammer, it would do several things at once. It would swell, turn red, and get hot. That is the way the body reacts to injury and infection. In this same way the pulp and periodontal ligament will react to inflammation and infection. Teeth are embedded in bone and the nerve (pulp) is consequently not able to expand when inflamed or infected. When a tissue tries to swell and cannot, the pain level increases dramatically. "Hot" abscessed teeth are much more difficult to numb and take longer for the anesthetic to work. That is just the nature of inflammation and infection anywhere in the body. If the tooth is removed, the pain will subside, but the area will still be sore because part of the body has been amputated. It is the same with a root canal treatment. The pain will improve but it may take some time for the body to recover from the toxic products of an abscessed tooth. Today we have better anesthetics, and better treatment methods as well as better antibiotics and pain relievers to prescribe. It is not the root canal treatment that is the reason people have any pain, but the waiting too long to seek treatment that is causing it. 

Common sense is needed!

The bacterial onslaught from periodontal disease is a much greater danger to a person's health than a tooth with a root canal in it. The modern root canal treatment  with the use of antibiotics, antiseptic rinses, electronic apex locators, magnification, digital x-rays, ultrasonics, rotary nickel titanium instrumentation, high tech  heated Gutta Percha have made it easier, faster and better. The judicious use of antibiotics, better anesthetics, conscious sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and modern pain relievers have made every procedure in dentistry extremely predictable and more comfortable.

The Truth is Obvious, We Just Need to Face It!

Root canal treatment is one of the most successful procedures a dentist can provide. The cost of replacing a tooth is greater than the cost of the root canal and crown. Patients can avoid unnecessary pain and enjoy the benefits of teeth saved by root canals by seeking professional care as soon as possible rather than waiting till the problem is so serious. Many root canal treatments can be avoided altogether by getting regular dental care and checkups to catch a problem early and treat it with a minor procedure.

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Lifetime Dentistry and root Canal Treatment at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com

Lifetime Dentistry-Crystal Lake Dentist

Lifetime Dentistry

Importance of Regular and Preventive care

Today regular and preventive dental care is more important than  ever. almost daily researchers are finding strong links between dental disease and systemic diseases. Periodontal disease bacteria have been linked to Alzheimer disease, colon cancer, diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Obstructive Sleep Apnea  a disease of airway blockage at night) is linked to snoring, ADHD, poor grades in school, behavior problems, ear infections, malocclusion, facial deformity, allergies, tonsillitis, failure to thrive, poor growth  and others in children. In adults, this condition leads to diabetes, overweight, daytime drowsiness (#1 cause of vehicle accidents), heart disease, stroke, headaches, nighttime bruxing (tooth grinding), snoring, poor sleep for bed partners, and other systemic conditions. Tooth Decay is the most common communicable disease on earth.
Abscesses from tooth decay cause loss of time from work and school. Abscessed teeth have lead to death, and other abscesses in the body.

These Three Huge Diseases are Controllable or Preventable by Dentists. 

1 Airway problems

Normal developing children should have adequate room for the teeth, a normal swallow pattern and no thumb or finger habits. In addition, they should be able to easily breath through their nose, normal sized tonsils and adenoids. and have no snoring at night. Early diagnosis of enlarged tonsils, abnormal swallow habits, allergies, improper bite and tooth position and altered breathing in children are signs of impending problems with airway development. This can be treated early by dentists with interceptive orthodontics, and recommendations for clearing the airway by and ENT. If these problems are not corrected early, a lifetime of problems await including an average loss of 8 to 12 years of life.

2 Gum Disease

Gum disease is a contagious disease  Most adults have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is usually caused by  a combination of biology (inflammatory response), trauma, bacteria, food wedging around teeth, and poor oral hygiene. The ability of a person's biology to resist gum disease varies greatly. Left untreated one gum pocket can spread to the entire mouth causing loss of all teeth. Gum disease drags down the immune system making a person susceptible to many other life threatening diseases including diabetes,  heart disease stroke, cancer, and others.  Gum disease can be controlled but remains chronic in most cases. Treatment often involves correcting the bite, improved oral hygiene, and cleaning out the bacterial pockets.

3 Tooth Decay (caries)

Tooth decay is a contagious disease as well as a bacterial infection. It is the most common disease in the modern world.  Many patient's worst fear when visiting the dentist is having a cavity, yet they often will avoid the dentist till something hurts. Left untreated tooth decay can lead to extremely painful cavities, abscessed teeth, and expensive treatment. Pain is not a good indicator of early decay which is easily treated. Tooth decay is on the rise in young children partly due to the high intake of sweets and carbohydrates. Fluoride has helped fight decay by making the teeth more resistant to bacterial acid attack. New advances in decay detection including digital x-rays, DIAGNOdent laser detection, and the use of magnification are helping catch decay earlier. The use of dental sealants, and topical fluoride also help to reduce the chance of decay in the future. Flossing and adequate brushing as well as controlling the amount of sugar and carbohydrate intake can greatly reduce decay.

How to manage the Big Three

Prevention, and early detection and early treatment. Going to a preventive oriented dentist who prescribes Lifetime Dentistry early and regularly is the key.When caught early and corrected, orthodontic problems, airway issues, gum disease, and tooth decay can be kept is check. The benefit is a healthier, happier, better looking, longer lasting body and life. A side benefit is less ultimate cost for dental and health care.

Why would you not want this for yourself and your loved ones?

Call Today

815 459 2202

 

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Lifetime Dentistry at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com

Sensitive Teeth-cCrystal Lake Dentist

Sentitive Teeth

What causes sensitive teeth?

Teeth are composed of 3 layers:

1) Enamel...the hard white outer layer

2) Dentine the softer yellow layer with nerve endings

3) Pulp (nerve) the pink fleshy layer

Imagine a tooth like the M & M candy with the enamel layer which covers the tooth to the gum line as a hard outer shell, and the dentine as the soft inner layer. The hard enamel layer has no nerves in it. It protects the inner layers from most sensitivity to stimuli like hot and cold. Likewise the gum tissue protects the tooth from sensitivity. 

It the enamel wears away, or the gum recedes, the dentine which is filled with nerve endings is exposed. These nerve endings can transmit pain when touched (tooth brushing), heated or cooled (hot/cold foods) or coated with acid (from bacteria metabolizing carbohydrates {sweets}).  Cavities can cause tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can also cause sensitivity. Severe wear or teeth not fitting together properly can cause sensitivity.

How Can I Stop  Sensitivity?

 See your dentist to make sure there are no cavities, or other problems causing the sensitivity.

If the cause is eased dentine on the root of the tooth, there are a few things you can do at home. You can try desensitizing toothpastes, and avoid whitening toothpastes which can be overly aggressive. Be careful to brush properly and gently near thegum line. Make sure you are brushing after eating sweets.

What Can The Dentist Do For Sensitivity?

A cavity or a notch in the root can be filled in.  Gum disease can be treated as well as a poor bite. A mouth guard can be fitted to reduce tooth wear. Some areas of receding gum tissue can be corrected by recovering the roots with a graft.

Fluoride treatments and special high fluoride toothpastes can be prescribed by your dentist. In addition, a new treatment is available called "Seal and Protect". This simple procedure that is applied by a dental hygienist can protect sensitive roots for up to 3 years per application. Results are immediate and no shots or drilling is needed.

Call Today

815 459 2202

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Root Canals at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com

Root Canals Update-Crystal Lake Dentist

Root Canal Treatment Has Evolved

Root canal treatment is many centuries old. Root canal treatment in text books goes back to the 17th Century.  Many methods of treating and filling the canals have been tried with mixed success.The first use of Gutta Percha ( a rubbery filling material goes back to 1847). Over the centuries, many discoveries have been made in the field of Endodontics (Root Canals). As with all of the other healing sciences, time, study, and experimentation brings improvements in understanding and methods of treatment.

What has changed in in Root Canal Treatment Lately?

A lot has changed since I graduated form dental school. Root Canal treatment in particular has gone through several revolutions in the past few decades.Though the basic concept of cleaning, shaping, disinfecting  and sealing the Root Canal System is unchanged, the methods have improved tremendously.  New materials, techniques, and research has led to many recent breakthroughs. Some portions of the technique I am describing below did not exist as recently as two years ago.

State of the Art Techniques for Cleaning and Shaping Root Canals

The use of Magnification, and improved materials the improves the comfort, safety, and predictability of root canal treatment. Electronic Apex locators, and Digital x-rays greatly improve our ability to determine the length and configuration of root canal systems. Ultrasonic diamond coated shaping tips help to quickly identify the top of the canal system. The recent reintroduction of extremely sensitive computer driven reciprocating handpiece improves the treatment. By incorporating  a new generation of Nickle Titanium files called the Wave One System and M-wire, we have a more accurate shaping or the canals. The use of several cleaning and disinfecting agents including  NaOCl, EDTA, Chlorhexadine, and  Surfactants that are sonically activated lead to a much better cleaning and sterilization of the complete root canal system. This system removes debris, and bacteria from the tooth more efficiently, throughly and safely that possible in the past.

Filling the Root Canal  System

First we thoroughly dry the root canal system using sterile Paper points.Following this, small amount of sealer which is CaOH based (disinfects and helps healing) and warmed 100 % Gutta Percha is placed in the canal system space. (Warmed Gutta Percha has been found to penetrate the canal system more thoroughly providing the best possible seal.)

Core Buildup and Crown
No root Canal treatment is considered complete until the tooth has been restored to function. This means that a core buildup is placed in the root canal Chamber (the top portion leading the the canal system). This tooth can now function for a short period of time like this. The tooth will need a crown if it is not in the very front of the mouth (it may still need a crown if there has been much damage to it from wear, caries or fracture).

We use the Wave One Endodontic System at Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Call Today

815 459 2202

 Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Root Canals at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com

Tooth Whitening For Life-Crystal Lake Dentist

What Is Free White For Life?

White for life is a program we have developed to thank our loyal patients. Regular dental check ups are essential for healthy living. As I have reported here, there are are several serious medical conditions associated with poor dental health. In addition, a beautiful healthy smile has a very positive effect on a persons relationships and self 
image.

 How Does This Program Work?

At your first checkup visit, or anytime you desire to whiten your teeth, we offer an initial whitening series for $49.00 (a $350.00 value). At this time we take impressions of your teeth and make custom whitening trays and set a time to deliver the trays with enough whitening gel to brighten your smile. Usually a two week supply is all that is needed, but if you desire, we can give you additional gel. At each professional check-up visit, we give you an additional tube of touch-up whitening gel for free.

Do You Whiten Teeth Before Cosmetic Dentistry?

In fact that is one of the first things I recommend when considering any major changes in your smile. After whitening, we match any new dental work to the new tooth shade after they have been whitened. I will often include the white for life program for free to encourage patients to have the best result in a cosmetic or functional change to their smile.

Are There Any Restrictions?

This program is for regulate patients of our practice who plan on having us provide their routine care and check-ups. Some degree os tooth sensitivity can be expected by most people for the main portion of the two week whitening procedure. In addition, I need to make sure you are a candidate for whitening. For instance, if you have very sensitive teeth or unfilled cavities, they would need addressing. Also, if you have several fillings or other  restorations in front teeth, I would discuss how these may be affected by whitening.

Is Whitening Safe For Teeth?

Yes, the same chemical used in whitening, is also made and used by the body. The chemical (Hydrogen Peroxide) is deactivated by the body fairly quickly. I do not recommend whitening during pregnancy or while nursing however. Though whitening is very safe, some people can become addicted to whitening like many other things in life, and this can weaken the teeth in time.

How Do I Get Started?

Just call our office for an appointment or a free evaluation.

 815 459 2202

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Intercepotive Orthodontics at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Your comments are welcome

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

drneal.com