Gum Recession: Causes & Treatment

Many people suffer from gum recession. It is more common than you may think. Most of our patients realize they have a problem with recession when they have symptoms including: sensitivity to hot and cold, sensitivity to sweets, and even tenderness when brushing. Luckily, there are treatments to help gum recession, and ways to improve your oral hygiene routine to prevent gum recession in the first place, or at the very least, keep it from getting worse.

Gum Recession Causes & Treatments:

-          Brushing too hard or used a hard-bristled toothbrush: Changing the way you are holding your toothbrush and using a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush can help keep gum recession at bay.

-          Periodontal Disease: Being properly diagnosed and treated for periodontal disease can help stop recession in its tracks. Unfortunately, it won’t repair what has already been lost, but can prevent it from getting worse.

-          Trauma to gum tissues: Trauma from sharp foots, playing sports, or the constant use of toothpicks can initiate recession.

-          Ill-fitting partial denture: A poor fitting denture can add unwanted pressure to the gum tissue, leading to recession.

-          Genetics- some people have thin or weak gum tissue: Genetics play a role in overall oral health, including recession.

-          Prominent tooth roots or crooked teeth – can push gums out of place: Orthodontics can help move tooth roots into the proper positions and prevent gum recession.

-          Smoking or other tobacco product use: Any type of tobacco product use is detrimental to oral health. Tobacco use and periodontal disease go hand in hand. Avoiding or discontinuing the use of tobacco can stop recession in its tracks.

If gum recession has progressed so far that gum grafting if necessary, seeing a qualified dentist to have the procedure completed is essential. Dr. Davis has performed many successful gum grafting surgeries and takes pride in using the highest quality products for the best results. 

Source: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Gum_Recession.ashx

5 Ways to Help You Overcome Your Dental Anxiety

Do you get extremely nervous before you make a visit to your dentist? You're not alone! Many patients tell us every day that they hate coming to the dentist. But what if I told you there were simple ways to cope with your fear? Guess what?! There is! Here are 5 simple ways you can make going to the dentist a little less stressful. 

1. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor how you feel. They will be glad to do whatever they can to make your visit more comfortable. 
2. Do you like to know exactly what is going on? Let your dentist know! Ask them to explain each part of the procedure so you are never taken by surprise. Some people prefer to not know anything that is happening because it makes them more nervous. What ever you prefer, make sure you let your doctor know. 
3. Deep breathing can be very beneficial for patients with anxiety. Essential oils applied prior to your appointment can also help you relax. Some patients even enjoy a combination of deep breathing exercises and essential oils because not only does it help you relax, it can actually be therapeutic. 
4. Do you hate the sound of the drill? Trust us, most patients do, and we understand. Bring a pair of headphones and your favorite music to help drown out the high pitched noise. 
5. Establish a stop signal. It can be a simple raise of the hand, or a thumbs down to let your doctor know you need them to stop right away. It doesn't have to be a pain signal, it can just mean that you need a rinse or that you simply need a break to breathe and relax. 

These are just a few ways to help you relax before and during your dental procedure. If these methods do not work for you, there are always sedation methods that may be the best option for you. Visit your dentist to establish the best route of treatment for you. 

To make an appointment with Dr. Davis and his team, contact us at (801) 292-5812

Information gathered from personal experience and psychcentral.com

Ten Things To Consider Before Purchasing Dental Insurance

Are you looking into purchasing a dental benefits/insurance plan? Here is a list of things to consider before you do. 

1. Will you be able to continue seeing your current dentist? 

If you have a dentist that you really like, you may want to look into an insurance plan that he or she participates with. If your dentist is not on that list, don't be afraid to ask why your dentist has chosen not to participate. They may have a very good reason. Don't let insurance companies fool you into thinking you can only see a dentist that is on their list. Several companies will help pay even if it is not with a participating doctor. 

2. Know what is covered in the plan you are researching. 

Many insurance companies do not cover certain procedures, especially when it comes to preventive treatment. Dental sealants and fluoride are not always covered. Both of these procedures could prevent future decay and save you money in the long run. 

3. Is the treatment you need determined by you and your dentist?

If you are having to choose dental treatment based on what your insurance plan will cover, you may not be receiving the treatment that is best for you. You and your dentist should be making the decision together on what treatment is ideal for your overall health. 

4. What type of dental care is covered?

Does the plan you are researching cover braces, bridges, crowns, or periodontal disease? What about major treatment such as; dentures, implants, or TMJ disorder? 

5. What is your coverage maximum?

Most dental plans cover on average a $1,000-$2,000 maximum per year. This small amount can be greatly diminished after one or two procedures depending on what type of treatment is needed. If you know you need more work than this amount allows, it may not be worth the premiums and remaining out of pocket expense to purchase a dental plan.

6. What if you need to see a specialist?

Some plans do not cover specialist visits leaving you with the entire cost out of your own pocket. 

7. Does the plan cover out of area emergencies?

Nothing is worse than having a toothache while you are trying to enjoy yourself on vacation. Does your dental insurance take care of these types of visits?

8. Does the insurance have a waiting period? 

If you are needing treatment immediately, you are likely going to have to wait 3 months for minor work such as fillings, and one year for major work like bridges and crowns. 

9. Does the plan have a pre-existing condition clause?

Some companies will not cover pre-existing conditions such as missing teeth. If you have a missing tooth that needs to be replaced with a bridge or an implant, many times insurance plans will not cover this treatment. 

10. Do you have an existing crown or bridge that needs to be replaced?

The majority of insurance plans will not pay for a bridge or crown that needs to be replaced if it has been under 5 years. Some companies won't help pay if it has been less than 7 years. 

It is important for you as a patient to consider all of these options before opting to purchase a dental insurance plan. 

Information for this post came from www.investopia.com and www.ada.org

Dr. Davis' Latest Dental Implant Case

Achieving Optimal Esthetics with Dental Implants 

Many people don't realize that an esthetic smile not only requires beautiful, symmetrical teeth, but also requires that the gum tissue contours be symmetrical and to the correct proportions. One of the most challenging procedures in implant dentistry is to achieve ideal gum tissue contours in the esthetic zone, otherwise known as the upper front teeth, or the teeth you see when you smile. In the above case, we were able to achieve these ideal contours perfectly, making tooth loss virtually undetectable. This patient broke off his front tooth due to trauma leaving it unrestorable. The remaining root was extracted and an implant was placed immediately into the socket. An impression was made during the time of surgery and a customized healing cuff (seen in the above photo) was fabricated and screwed into the implant that same day. The purpose of the custom healing cuff was to preserve the original gum tissue contours. Without it, the gum tissue would collapse in toward the socket changing the ideal contours and compromising a perfect esthetic outcome. After the implant had healed and fully integrated to the bone, the final restoration (crown) was fabricated, resulting in a beautiful smile. No one will ever know that this patient lost his front tooth.

At Davis Dental, we pride ourselves in providing patients with the best dentistry available. With every case, we strive for the most perfect outcome achievable. If you are in need of dental implants or other dental work and you are impressed with the work we have presented to you, please contact us at (801) 292-5812, or visit our websites:

www.davisdentalutah.com
www.prettauimplantutah.com

Dr. Davis Featured on DentistryIQ.com

Dr. Davis' Post on DentistryIQ.com 

Want to learn more about dental hygiene and tongue cleaning? Check out Dr. Davis' most recent post on DentalIQ.com: http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/04/a-deeper-look-into-tongue-cleaning.html

https://www.facebook.com/davisdentalutah

Dr. Davis' Latest CE course: Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge

Prettau® Bridge Course

Background:

This 2 day course at Tischler Dental Laboratory in Woodstock, NY covered all steps of 

treatment planning, surgery, prosthetics, and the laboratory aspects of the Prettau Zirconia 

Bridge. The Prettau Bridge is a superior alternative to Bar Overdentures, Hybrid Bridges, 

and PFM Screw Retained Bridges for many reasons. The Prettau Bridge rigidly splints 

dental implants stronger than metals, and without the chance of chipping or staining, and
will likely out-live most patient's who receive it. It is stronger, more-durable, and far more
esthetic than any other full-arch implant restoration available. The Prettau Bridge was
developed in Europe and is now making it's debut in the US as the latest technology in
implant dentistry. The Prettau Bridge is providing patients the ability to smile and chew
again as if they had never lost their teeth, giving them the confidence and quality of life
that we all desire.

Dr. Davis testified that this is THE BEST course he has ever attended. He feels that incorporating the Prettau technology and methodology in his practice is a superior way to treat full-arch implant cases. Davis Dental in Bountiful, Utah is committed to providing patients the latest technology and the highest quality dentistry available and will be one of the first dental practices in Utah to offer the Prettau Implant Bridge on a regular basis.   

Prettau Bridge Cases from Tischler Dental and Tischler Dental Laboratory

                                                     

Latest Prettau Bridge Case from Davis Dental

Dr. Davis joins Roseman University School of Health Sciences

In addition to building and innovating his dental practice Dr. Jordan D. Davis is now a professor of dentistry at Roseman University. Congratulations!

                       

Davis Dental Welcomes a New Assistant: MICHELE NASABAL

Welcome Michele Nasabal!

Michele has recently found that a career in the dental field gives her the ability to combine her interests in the medical profession and aesthetics with her background in cosmetology and CNA training. She enjoys working with a team of professionals who truly value patient care and comfort. New to the office, she successfully develops her skills, relationships with patients, and the Davis Dental team. At home, Michele stays busy with her daughter and family.

https://www.facebook.com/davisdentalutah

New Orleans ICOI (International College of Oral Implantologists) Winter Symposium

         DR. DAVIS is attending the ICOI Winter Symposium 

Purpose in attending conference: learn the latest technology and techniques for implant surgery and restoration. Dr. Davis is specifically interested in learning more about a new technique used for improved, quicker healing after implant surgery. This technique uses the patient's own blood to produce growth factors that are applied to the surgical site at the time of surgery producing predictable results and a more comfortable and faster recovery for the patient. Dr. Davis is excited to bring his knowledge back to Davis Dental in Bountiful. 

DR. DAVIS Joins Two New Professional Organizations

Dr. Davis joined the and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

The AACD Mission
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry^® (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. The AACD fulfills its mission by: offering superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
http://www.aacd.com/

AND the International Congress of Oral Implantologists 

The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) was founded in 1972. Devoted to providing implant education to the entire dental team to better serve its patients, the ICOI is not only the world’s largest dental implant organization, but it is also the world’s largest provider of continuing dental implant education.

Our Mission
To serve the needs of all of our members, including each segment of the dental implant team, and to provide them with high quality education to better serve their patients.

Our Vision
The ICOI's vision is to substantially advance the science and quality of the practice of implant dentistry. To guarantee our mission and vision, the ICOI strives:

• To support clinical and basic research and report the findings to our membership
• To recognize the achievements of our members
• To interface with related health care and manufacturing entities worldwide
• To promote high standards of personal and professional ethics
• To encourage international fraternity
• To provide accurate and substantive information for existing and potential patients.

The ICOI is an Affiliate of the FDI World Dental Federation.

http://icoi.org/index.php

Calvin Klein Model: Spencer Burhoe

Calvin Klein Model: Spencer Burhoe

Poor quality composite veneer redone by Dr. Jordan D. Davis 

                                                                      

    

BEFORE

AFTER

FALL INTO SAVINGS: DAVIS DENTAL PROMOTION

DAVIS DENTAL WANTS YOU!!! 

Mention this blog post and receive 25% off first cleaning for the ENTIRE family AND/OR 15% off teeth whitening for EACH adult. CALL US TODAY.Saving= A Happy Smile