Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!
Isolite™ Makes Treatments More Accurate and Comfortable
Isolite is a relatively new development that provides two advancements in dental treatments. It has both a suction device and brilliant light. With the use of the suction during a procedure, the area being treated can remain dry. This is very important for the success of the procedure. It also adds to a patient's comfort as it eliminates the need for the uncomfortable rubber dam that has previously been used during treatment.
Additional benefits with Isolite are that no longer do you get a gagging feeling with the build-up of saliva in your oral cavity. Debris won't be swallowed as the mouth is continually cleaned out of any debris. And the mouth doesn't get tired from being held open. The brilliant illumination makes for accuracy and complete work.
Advancements with Laser Dentistry
Imagine having fillings placed without any shots or any drilling. Does this sound unreal? Not any more. With the latest laser technology called WaterLase™, you can have dentistry in complete comfort for these restorations, as the water being emitted absorbs the energy from the laser, instead of the teeth.
Energy is transferred to the microscopic water droplets. This energized water actually mists away the tooth decay. In many dental procedures, the WaterLase replaces any use of a drill and requires no shot. Patients are amazed there is absolutely no discomfort with this revolutionary technology.
More Accurate, Less Invasive Procedures with Dental Microscopes
Our doctors keep on the cutting edge of dental technology, and their use means they are able to detect minute fractures and minimal decay. When treatment begins at an early stage of the problem, more tooth structure can be preserved allowing the tooth to retain its natural support and strength. Because of this superior capability in identifying these types of problems, there is certainty that all the decay is taken out before any restoration is placed into or over the tooth. Also, the accuracy in fitting a crown or filling is greatly increased. Other benefits include faster healing time and less post-operative discomfort.
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Treating the Problem
You will be pleased to know there are other approaches than surgery to treat gum disease. We emphasize the importance of starting treatment in the early stages to avoid surgery and use nonsurgical means to halt the infection. Both types of treatment are generally allowed by dental insurance.
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Proper Bite Alignment to Relieve Pain and Discomfort
A bite that does not come together properly (dental occlusion) is often the cause of headaches, pain in the shoulder, neck, and jaws, and aching or popping jaws. There are a variety of reasons why your jaw does not rest in a relaxed position. The way your permanent teeth grew in, trauma or disease to the mouth, and wear and tear on your teeth can all have an effect on how your teeth come together.
This imbalance causes tension and pain in the adjoining muscles. As years go by, many patients grow used to living with this pain. But you don't have to put up with it any longer. We can restore your bite to its proper position with a full-mouth rehabilitation. We recommend you discover what this treatment can do for you to add a new quality and energy to your life.
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Gum Surgery Can Be Avoided
If you have been told you need gum surgery, there is an alternative approach that will correct the problem. Today's laser technology is nearly a miraculous solution with a less invasive approach that produces positive results in most cases. We have treated many patients with our FDA-approved laser, and they have been astonished that the treatment is virtually painless as well as successful in returning the gums to a healthy state. As an added plus, this process can regenerate some of the bone mass in the dental arches that has been lost due to years of gum disease.
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
An Oral Appliance that Replaces the CPAP Device
For some time now, the solution to sleep apnea has been the CPAP device. CPAP, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure, is a device that pumps air into the nose and mouth of the patient through a mask worn during sleep. Although it provides sufficient oxygen and correct breathing patterns, most patients find wearing a mask while sleeping is uncomfortable.
Our doctors have a small, easy to insert and remove, acrylic appliance that resembles a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. It works by repositioning your tongue and jaw to keep the air passage to your lungs open. Success rates have been high, and patients are pleased with its comfort and small size that makes it easy to take when traveling.
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Dental Implants for a Perfect Smile
We recommend placing dental implants to take care of the problems of missing teeth. Perhaps you are wondering what kind of problems occur from missing teeth. You may wonder if there is nothing there, how can there be a problem?
You need a full set of teeth for chewing to obtain the most nutrients from the food you eat. When chewing becomes difficult due to fewer teeth, often less nutritious, softer, high-calorie foods are consumed on a daily basis. These types of food often add unwanted pounds to your weight.
Eventually, without the support of all your teeth, your face will take on a hollowed out appearance in your cheeks. This adds years to your facial appearance. Speech can be altered, as certain words are not pronounced clearly when there are gaps in your dental arches.
Dental implants look very natural as they come up through the gumline. It's like you grew permanent teeth again! They give you full functionality for chewing and speaking, and they look like your own teeth – not even a dentist can tell they are not your own. No matter if your missing teeth are in the front or back of your mouth, we can place dental implants in as many areas as need replacement.
We handle the entire process from implant to crown placement, so you will not be inconvenienced to go to another office. Call us today, and we will give you a no-obligation consultation.
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com
San Diego Smiles
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!
I don't have cavities so I can't have gum disease
Being cavity-free doesn’t ensure you are in the clear where gum disease is concerned. That’s because gum disease is painless and many people have no idea they have it. Gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen or tender is a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage that is reversible. When caught early gingivitis can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at the dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org
The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.
What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.
However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.
In Office Procedures:
- Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
- Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
- Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity
At Home:
- Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
- Brush correctly and do not over brush
- Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
- Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface
There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
East County Dental Studio
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SanDiegoSmileMakeover.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!
Defeating Gum Disease Without the Pain
Gum
disease, not tooth decay, is the number one reason for tooth
loss. We can now offer you a treatment that is easy and painless
with ARESTIN™. It is an antibiotic in powder form that is
time-released to your gums and very effective in stopping
periodontal disease. Not only does it take care of the
infection, it is completely painless!
East County Dental Studio
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SanDiegoSmileMakeover.com
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
East County Dental Studio
Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD
337 West Madison Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 442-8841
Website: www.SanDiegoSmileMakeover.com
Isolite is a relatively new development that provides two advancements in dental treatments. It has both a suction device and brilliant light. With the use of the suction during a procedure, the area being treated can remain dry. This is very important for the success of the procedure. It also adds to a patient's comfort as it eliminates the need for the uncomfortable rubber dam that has previously been used during treatment.
Imagine having fillings placed without any shots or any drilling. Does this sound unreal? Not any more. With the latest laser technology called WaterLase™, you can have dentistry in complete comfort for these restorations, as the water being emitted absorbs the energy from the laser, instead of the teeth.
Our doctors keep on the cutting edge of dental technology, and their use means they are able to detect minute fractures and minimal decay. When treatment begins at an early stage of the problem, more tooth structure can be preserved allowing the tooth to retain its natural support and strength. Because of this superior capability in identifying these types of problems, there is certainty that all the decay is taken out before any restoration is placed into or over the tooth. Also, the accuracy in fitting a crown or filling is greatly increased. Other benefits include faster healing time and less post-operative discomfort.
You will be pleased to know there are other approaches than surgery to treat gum disease. We emphasize the importance of starting treatment in the early stages to avoid surgery and use nonsurgical means to halt the infection. Both types of treatment are generally allowed by dental insurance.
A bite that does not come together properly (dental occlusion) is often the cause of headaches, pain in the shoulder, neck, and jaws, and aching or popping jaws. There are a variety of reasons why your jaw does not rest in a relaxed position. The way your permanent teeth grew in, trauma or disease to the mouth, and wear and tear on your teeth can all have an effect on how your teeth come together.
If you have been told you need gum surgery, there is an alternative approach that will correct the problem. Today's laser technology is nearly a miraculous solution with a less invasive approach that produces positive results in most cases. We have treated many patients with our FDA-approved laser, and they have been astonished that the treatment is virtually painless as well as successful in returning the gums to a healthy state. As an added plus, this process can regenerate some of the bone mass in the dental arches that has been lost due to years of gum disease. 
For some time now, the solution to sleep apnea has been the CPAP device. CPAP, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure, is a device that pumps air into the nose and mouth of the patient through a mask worn during sleep. Although it provides sufficient oxygen and correct breathing patterns, most patients find wearing a mask while sleeping is uncomfortable.
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.
Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.