Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

What is Dental Filling ?

July 23, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Tooth Decay and Dental Fillings — tntadmin @ 6:28 am

Tooth decay, if left untreated, will eventually consume a large portion of the affected tooth or teeth. Dental filling is one way of restoring your smile to its full glory. The decayed portions of the teeth will be removed, the affected areas cleaned, and the cavity will be filled with a suitable filling material, hence the name “dental filling.”

Types of Dental Fillings

The key to effective dental fillings is the filling material that is used for the procedure. There are many substances that have properties similar to the natural material of a tooth, so there are also many different types of dental fillings. These include:

Gold Fillings – Gold fillings are perhaps the best filling material ever used for teeth. Gold is a metal that has some fantastic properties that make these fillings last as much as twenty years or more. Obviously, gold fillings are made to order since gold is one of the most expensive metals and not everyone can afford it.
Composite Resin Fillings – Composite resin is the best filling material if the appearance of the fillings is a major concern. The reason for this is that the color of resin can be changed to suit the existing color of the teeth. However, composite fillings are not as solid as other types since they are more vulnerable to wear and tear.
Porcelain Fillings – This is an alternative for those who want something as good as gold but don’t want gold-colored teeth. Like gold, porcelain fillings also have to be made to order and are equally expensive.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Who Needs Tooth Filling?

The following are some of the instances when a dentist may suggest tooth filling:

Presence of tooth decay that has led to chipped or cracked teeth
Cavities – large and small alike – will lead to the need for tooth filling
Tooth damage due to the habit of biting nails or using teeth to uncork bottles

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fillings

Every material used for teeth bonding has its own pros and cons, so here’s a quick list:

1.Composite Resin

Pros of Composite Resign

Filling will match the tooth color
Single visit to the dentist
Bonds directly with the tooth
No additional tooth drilling

Cons of Composite Resign

Costlier than amalgam fillings
Short life when compared to amalgam
Chances of developing tooth gaps over time
Procedure is complicated and hence costlier
At least two dental visits, more if necessary

2.Gold Filling

Pros of Gold Fillings

No chance of corrosion
Some people simply prefer gold
Lasts for decades

Cons of Gold Fillings

Two dental visits, at least
Most expensive filling option
Chances of galvanic shock if amalgam is also used as filling material
Will not match with tooth because of the gold color

3.Porcelain Filling

Pros of Porcelain Fillings

Color match is perfect
Can withstand a lot of wear and tear

Cons of Porcelain Fillings

Chances of breaking due to its brittle nature
Additional drilling of teeth to make room for the clay

Dental filling happens to be one of the better solutions for tooth decay, and there are many options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right option simply comes down to discussing them with the dentist and deciding which one is best for you.

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What Is A Denture

July 9, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Dental Implants and Dentures — tntadmin @ 1:26 pm

A Denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It can be made out of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.

Different Types Of Dentures Available – Based On The Needs Of The Patients:

Conventional Full Denture: A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after all remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed.

Immediate Full Denture: An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Immediate full dentures have to be realigned after your teeth have healed.

Partial Denture: A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are capped with crowns and used as anchors for this denture.

Image Source : visual.ly

Conventional full dentures and immediate full dentures are for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is ideal for people who have a few natural teeth remaining. Dentures give you the added advantage of not only improving your chewing ability and speech but also providing support for your facial muscles. They thereby enhance your facial appearance and smile.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Generally, one or more follow-up appointments are essential after receiving dentures to make any necessary adjustments. It is not wise to attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Dentures that do not fit properly can cause irritation and sores in the mouth and on gums. If the denture breaks, cracks, or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, you should report it to your dentist immediately instead of trying to readjust the dentures yourself. Bending any part of the clasp or metal attachments can weaken the metal structure of the dentures and cause more unnecessary discomfort. Readjusting or repairing the dentures should be left to the dentist, otherwise it might do more harm than good.

It is important to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene after getting dentures. Whether you get full or partial dentures, you must brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush every morning before putting the dentures in. This will remove the build-up of plaque in your mouth and will also help to stimulate circulation in your mouth. Also remember to clean and massage your gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help to clean the gums. Eating a balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition also keeps unnecessary oral problems at bay.

Plaque that might get trapped under the clasp will increase the risk of tooth decay, so pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.

As time passes, your dentures will need to be realigned, rebased, or remade due to normal wear and natural age-related changes to the face, jaw bone, and gums, or if the dentures become loose. Your dentist will refit the denture base or make a new one as per your needs. Generally, a pair of dentures can last you anywhere from 5 to 7 years before a replacement becomes necessary.

It is important to see your dentist regularly so that he or she can examine your mouth for signs of oral diseases, like cancer, and also have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes as you age. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your dentures or possibly remake your dentures. A visit to the dentist every six months will keep all the denture-related problems in check.

About Joshua Hong DDS

At Joshua Hong DDS,we perform general dentistry with post-graduate school training in jaw joint rehabilitation, full-mouth reconstruction, and occlusion. We can do veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, tooth colored fillings, invisible braces, implant crown restorations, all-on-four restoration, dentures, teeth whitening, extractions and non-surgical tmj therapy. We do all this with a holistic approach. Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, Az has a highly trained smile team. Dr Hong works with the best of the best. We don’t provide any dentistry that is not good enough for any of our family members. We have also created a spa like atmosphere and cater towards clients with anxiety. We do memory free dentistry.

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Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

June 24, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Sedative and Pain Free Dentistry — Tags: Inhalation Sedation, Intravenous Sedation, Oral Sedation, Sedation Dentistry — tntadmin @ 8:22 am

Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry that enables patients who have strong anxiety issues to undergo treatment at the dentist without fear. Patients who suffer from this would even suffer from toothache, rather than have a dentist look in their mouths.

Dental anxiety is real, and sedation dentistry or memory free dentistry as it’s also known, can solve your problems.

Here are the three types of sedation dentistry:

Oral Sedation:This includes pills of different dosages that need to be taken orally. At times, even liquids are given if patients have trouble taking pills. These are ideally given an hour before the appointment to make the patients drowsy. Dr. Hong works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to conduct this in the safest manner.

Inhalation Sedation: For this, patients inhale a gaseous sedative, generally nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mixed with oxygen, through a mask kept over the nose. It helps them relax almost instantly and Dr. Hong can continuously monitor the level of sedative being administered. The effect of gas wears off quickly after the procedure is completed and patients can get back to their regular chores almost instantly.

- Intravenous Sedation:Here the sedative is administered through a vein directly into the blood stream. The effect of the sedative can be observed almost immediately and dentists can control the amount of sedative being administered throughout the procedure. Dr. Hong works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves administering a small dose of medication orally or through inhaling. It relaxes the muscles and slows your train of thought down. For patients, this is magnificent because they’re still completely awake, yet they’re in a relaxed state of consciousness.

In some cases, patients won’t remember that the procedure happened.

Sedation also couples with a form of local anesthetic to numb the area, further relaxing the patient.

Who is Sedation Dentistry For?

There are many cases where someone may require a sedative to get them through the difficulties of undergoing a dental procedure.

Patients with a gag reflex – Whenever such patients put something in the mouth, they automatically gag. It’s not something they can do anything about, so it makes carrying out dental work impossible.

Low pain threshold – Even the slightest jolt of pain can make a dental procedure impossible for some patients.

Patients who fidget – This is nearly always due to general nervousness of dealing with a dentist.

Some people who have sensitive teeth and can’t stay still when they’re touched.

A large amount of dental work is required. This is simply a problem to do with how long a patient has to remain in a still position. These patients only need sedation during extended procedures.

Is the Procedure Safe?

Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe, as long as the dentist has carried out a proper assessment first. Some people are potentially risking their health with this procedure, but they’re rare.

For example, people who’re obese or have problems with sleep apnea should avoid sedation. In this case, a dentist will investigate the person on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, the decision is always up to the patient, though.

How does it Work?

The procedure is simple for anyone who’s about to undergo sedation. We’ll walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect.

1. You will begin by sitting down in the dentist’s chair. At this point, nothing will have happened.

2. The next step is the dentist will prep his equipment. This may come in the form of a gas mask you inhale from, or something you take orally.

3. Now you need to wait until the sedative takes hold. This depends entirely on who you are and what sort of sedative your dentist is using. The dentist will advise you on how long it takes before proceeding.

4. Once you’re under the sedative, the procedure will begin.

5. Whilst you’re undergoing the procedure, your mind will be clear. You may be aware of the dentist working on your teeth, but you won’t feel any form of worry or stress. It will be like sitting in the park.

6. The sedative may take an hour or so to wear off after the procedure. Most dentists recommend you employ someone to bring you home.

Sedation dentistry always has some slight variations, but the broad principle is always the same. As you can see, even the most nervous of patients will soon see this is simple and requires nothing from them.

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Cosmetic Dentistry : Smile Therapy

June 15, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dental procedures, Cosmetic Dentistry — tntadmin @ 5:16 am

When you think of a dentist, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is an extraction of teeth or filling them. However, there is more to dentistry. More people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance. It’s the same way that you could change your hairstyle or undergo cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance.

There are a wide variety of cosmetic treatments available. If you want to improve your appearance, ensure that you consult a dentist on the different treatments and which would be best suited for you.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear, Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments. It is a method used to lighten the color of your teeth. The bleaching process, if done by a qualified professional, does not result in the removal of the tooth surface. This is a great solution for people with stained teeth. The procedure is non-invasive. Treatment can take up to SEVERAL weeks depending on the level of whitening you require.

Some people opt to whiten their teeth at home using home whitening kits. These kits include whiteners to paint on or strips placed on the teeth. It is still important to consult your dentist before using a home kit as these may have disastrous effects.

Dental veneers are thin GLASS slices that are placed on the front surface of the teeth, much like fake fingernails are affixed on real fingernails. Veneers are a great way to mask unsightly or terribly stained teeth. They can also be used to repair chips, cracks or close gaps between teeth.

The installation of veneers involves the buffing down of the front surface of the teeth to remove some enamel. An impression of your teeth is done and a dental technician makes the veneers to fit onto the surfaces of the teeth. Veneers are BONDED to the surface of teeth permanently. This treatment option is non-invasive and gives a natural looking result. They can be quite unsightly if veneers don’t match the color of the neighboring teeth.

Composite bonding involves the application of a special resin to the teeth. The resin hardens when placed under a special light. The resin bonds between the teeth as a result, therefore, restoring or improving the appearance of the tooth. This treatment can be used for various situations including close gaps, change the shape of teeth, repair cracked or chipped teeth.

Composite bonding is one of the simplest and affordable cosmetic treatments available. It only takes one visit to have it done. However, it is not completely stain-resistant, and neither does it last as long as some of the other protective procedures such as fillings, veneers and crowns.

Dental crowns are treatment used mostly for badly broken teeth. The treatment is also used to strengthen teeth that are weak as a result of extensive filling. The method involves taking an impression of the tooth that is used to make a crown. The crown is like a cap that is placed over the teeth. The crown is made of porcelain. A temporary crown may be placed on the teeth before the permanent one is fitted as part of preparing the tooth. The process takes up to two weeks.

Many cosmetic treatments are non-invasive and safe when done by a qualified and professional dental team. Dr. Hong and his team are just that. Contact them today to learn more about cosmetic treatments and on which would be most suitable for you. The team will be happy to guide you.

The Smile Team provides the best in family dental treatment. Your comfort and care are of the utmost priority to the team.

VISIT US TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DR. HONG’S BEFORE AND AFTER COSMETIC WORK.

About Joshua Hong DDS

At Joshua Hong DDS, we perform general dentistry with post-graduate school training in jaw joint rehabilitation, full-mouth reconstruction, and occlusion. We can do veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, tooth colored fillings, invisible braces, implant crown restorations, all-on-four restoration, dentures, teeth whitening, extractions and non-surgical TMJ therapy. We do all this with a holistic approach. Joshua Hong DDS has a highly trained smile team. Dr. Hong works with the best of the best. We don’t provide any dentistry that is not good enough for any of our family members. We have also created a spa-like atmosphere and cater towards clients with anxiety. We do memory free dentistry.

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Dry Mouth?

April 19, 2013

Filed under: Blog — tntadmin @ 6:18 pm

What do I Need to Know About Dry Mouth?

Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while — if they are nervous, upset or under stress.

But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.

Dry mouth …

Can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking
Can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth
Can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions
Can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician — there are things you can do to get relief.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet.

Symptoms Include:

A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking
A burning feeling in the mouth
A dry feeling in the throat
Cracked lips
A dry, tough tongue
Mouth sores
An infection in the mouth

Why is Saliva so Important?

Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet. It helps digest food
It protects teeth from decay
It prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth
It makes it possible for you to chew and swallow
Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods.

What causes Dry Mouth?

People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this, there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several reasons why these glands (called salivary glands) might not work right.

Side effects of some medicines — more than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth
Disease — some diseases affect the salivary glands. Sjögren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dry mouth
Radiation therapy — the salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment
Chemotherapy — drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
Nerve damage — injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.

What Can be Done About Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. He or she can try to determine what is causing your dry mouth.
If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, your physician might change your medicine or adjust the dosage
If your salivary glands are not working right but can still produce some saliva, your physician or dentist might give you a medicine that helps the glands work better
Your physician or dentist might suggest that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet

What can I do?

Sip water or sugarless drinks often
Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth
Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices
Don’t use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth
Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth
Use a humidifier at night
(Dr Hong recommends Biotene, read the blog about Biotene)

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure you:

Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day
Floss your teeth every day
Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards
Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
For more information on Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a major cause of dry mouth. You can get information about dry mouth related to Sjögren’s Syndrome from:

Sjögren’s Syndrome Clinic
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Building 10, Room 1N113
10 Center Drive MSC 1190
Bethesda, MD 20892-1190
Tel: 301-435-8528
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc.
Suite 530
8120 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: 301-718-0300 or
800-475-6473
http://www.sjogrens.org

article from crest website

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