LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR LOOSE DENTURES....

MINIATURIZATION: The beginning of a new technological era.

As in many aspects of medicine and technology, the art of miniaturization can offer a host of new and exciting advantages. This is especially true for denture wearers, who are often plagued with a multitude of problems. MDL IMPLANTS (the heart of the retentive system) are dental implants scaled down to a smaller dimension with a modified self-threading pilot tip. The process of miniaturization also offers significant benefits...you no longer have to deal with multiple surgeries and extended healing periods. The mini implant simply threads itself into the bone and is immediately held tightly in place. It creates its own "surgical site" as it is placed and the elastic properties of your jawbone provide immediate fixation and stabilization. This procedure can be accomplished in one session and your existing denture can easily be retrofitted for the system. Thanks to the MDL DENTURE RETENTION SYSTEM technology, in addition to a pleasant, natural-looking smile, you should be able to wear dentures that are solid, secure, stable and functional.

THESE NEW AND EXCITING IMPLANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT KESTEVEN DENTAL CARE STUDIO IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE.....

WHAT IS NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY?

Neurmuscular dentistry is the term applied to techniques that expand upon the traditional mechanical approach to dentistry. To understand it, you must first know something about your occlusion.

Your "occlusion" is the way that your upper and lower teeth fit together. The muscles of your head and neck posture your jaw and hold the lower teeth close to the upper ones. You don't consciously hold your jaw in this position - it is "programmed" in your brain.

Traditional dentistry is based on mechanical concepts that assume that your present bite (occlusion) is best for you. Such dental treatment generally aims to restore your bite to that position - what might be called two-dimensional dentistry. Neuromuscular Dentistry takes into consideration a third dimension - the status and function of the muscles that control jaw position, chewing and swallowing.

Using computerized equipment, the Neuromuscular Dentist can measure and study the pattern of jaw opening and closing through its full range of motion and in three dimensions. The computer can also document the precise point at which your jaw is being held in relation to the upper teeth and can measure the activity of the key muscles that control the jaw - both in function and at rest. Rather than relying on your present jaw positon as being the best one for you, the dentist can use the additional objective information to determine if your jaw postion (bite) should be left as is or adjusted to a more optimal positon.

HOW ARE NEUROMUSCULAR TESTS DONE?

The tests are "non-invasive" - there are no injections, there is no pain. To do a Computerized Mandibular Scan (CMS), a tiny magnet is applied to your lower gum with sticky tape. You then wear very lightweight headgear much as you would wear a pair of glasses. Sensors on the headgear precisely follow the path of the magnet as you open and close your mouth and send the three-dimensional information to the computer as your jaw opens and closes.

Muscle activity is monitored with Surface Electromyography (SEMG), a technology very similar to an electrocardiogram. Thin wires are attached to the skin by adhesive patches. Tiny electrical signals emitted by your muscles are detected and sent to the computer.

On some occasions, your doctor may want to also study the sounds of your jaw joints. If so, it is done with Electrosonography (ESG). You wear a "Walkman" type headset to hold microphone-like sensors over each jaw joint. The sensors detect the joint sound vibrations as you open and close your mouth and transmit the sound data to the computer.

Typically the doctor will first want to do the CMS, SEMG and/or ESG tests to get your baseline data (record data in your present state). Then you may be connected to the Myomonitor, a mild, battery operated electrical muscle stimulator, again by means of wires attached with adhesive patches. The Myomonitor will painlessly exercise your facial and jaw muscles. This electrically induced exercise will overcome the "programming" of your muscles and allow them to achieve a truly relaxed state. After 40-60 minutes, the same tests will be repeated to gather data in this relaxed state. The baseline and relaxed data are stored in the computer. The doctor can now compare them to see if he/she thinks your jaw is presently in a near optimal position or whether your occlusion (jaw position) should be adjusted to provide improved function.

IS NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY FOR YOU?

There are always options for you to choose from when deciding on dental treatment. After initially evaluating your situation, your dentist or treatment counselor will discuss those options with you. Sometimes the options may be as simple as choosing the type of restorative material to use in a filling or crown. Neuromuscular techniques would not be necessary for these relatively simple procedures.

If you are contemplating major dental procedures such as reconstruction (including cosmetic dentistry), orthodontics, or dentures, or if you suffer head/neck pain or other "TMJ" like symptoms, your choice of treatment becomes more important.

Traditional, "two dimensional" dental techniques may produce satisfactory results since the human system has considerable ability to accomodate. However, it is in these major cases that establishing the correct occlusion becomes so important. This is when choosing neuromuscular diagnostic techniques might have a positive and long term impact on the outcome of the treatment. Neuromuscular test results give your dentist added insight - that "third dimension" - that very well may allow him/her to speed completion and improve the final treatment results.

Is it for you? You should discuss this with your dentist.

OPEN WIDE....Part Four

THE MESSAGE - Good Food Makes Good Teeth

From childhood on, we're warned about the foods that can cause dreaded cavities, but isn't it nice to know about the foods that keep our teeth healthy and strong? These include milk, cheese and yogurt, for the calcium to maintain the bones that form the structure of the mouth. "Probiotics in yogurt can also help to keep a balance of good bacteria in the mouth," says Veisma. Omega 3 healthy fats in flaxseeds, walnuts, sardines and salmon have proven anti-inflammatory benefits and can help keep bacteria in check too. Crunchy fruit and veggies like apples and carrots are naturally cleansing, plus the action of chewing them increases saliva production, which helps to flush away bateria - and as a bonus, they're high in antioxidant Vitamin C. And last but not least: red wine. Italian researchers have found that certain antioxidants in grape skins can actually prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth. "This isn't an excuse to use red wine as mouthwash." Veismas says. "It's fine in moderation but keep in mind that it's also very staining.

THE LESSON:

A healthy, moderate diet is key to keeping the whole body healthy, mouth included. Don'r forget that drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum can also help keep teeth clean and breath fresh.

OPEN WIDE....Part Three

THE MESSAGE: STRESS AFFECTS THE MOUTH

The protective enamel coating on our teeth is formed between birth and age 16. "After that, it's subject to the insults we deliver - stress, grinding and acidic food and drinks," Tomkin says. Acid erosion is starting to show up in younger patients, says Veisan. She wonders if new diets, bad habits or acidic drinks like juice, pop and coffee are to blame. "When I think about those sugary coffee drinks, it's like a double whammy," she says. "You're getting plaque-inducing sugar from the flavoured syrup and acid from the coffee." Acid wear causes sensitivity in the short-term and may put teeth at risk for greater damage.

THE LESSON:

While it's impossible to completely avoid acidic food and drinks, there are a few tricks to minimize its damaging effects: avoid brushing teeth for at least 20 minutes after acidic offenders like coffee and citrus fruit. "Otherwise you're accelerating the danage by rubbing the acid directly into the teeth," Tomkins says. Instead, rinse the mouth with water. "In Italy, they always serve espresso with a glass of water - they must know something," Veisman says.

OPEN WIDE......Part Two

THE MESSAGE....STRESS AFFECTS THE MOUTH

Most people are unaware of their teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) until their sleeping partner reports hearing that characteristic sound at night. While stress - and grinding - may come and go, it can have a lasting effect on teeth: wear patterns over the biting surfaces, chipping and cracks in the enamel are signs only your dentist will see. Grinders may notice an unexplained sore jaw or earache. The solution: to stop the grinding, which can only be achieved with a night guard. "It cushions jaw joints and protects the enamel from further breakdown," Veisman says. Just be sure it's customized by your dentist, Tompkins warns - a poor fit may cause teeth to shift.

THE LESSON....

If your dentist suspects grinding, your jaw is sore or your spouse just can't take it anymore, consider a night guard. It's also important to address your stress, by including exercise, relaxation and meditation.


To be cont.....

OPEN WIDE..... Part One

4 things to know about your mouth right now:

Beyond your nightly floss-and-brush routine and regular dentist visits, does your mouth get much attention? It should! "The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body." says Dr. Andrea Veisman, a Toronto dentist. "Chinese medicine practioners check inside the mouth before evaluating anything else - overall health is tied to oral health." Need more reasons to pay attention to your teeth? Sink your pearly whites into these important morsels.

THE MESSAGE:

Periodontal disease is linked to other disease. The relationship between periodontal disease - a chronic bacterial infection of the teeth, gums and supporting bones - and other illnesses, has long been studied. "The Universities of Toronto and Western Ontario have uncovered links with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low birth weight and pre-term delivery in pregnant women," says Dr. Lyon Tomkins, President of the Ontario Dental Association. While we don't fully understand how one influences the other, "the by-products of this serious and insidious inflammation are circulated through the bloodstream, causing other problems," she says. A recent study at New York University has found a correlational link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's; those with periodontal disease were at increased risk of lower cognitive function. "There is some thought that the inflammation in the mouth can somehow cause inflammation in the brain." Veisman says.

THE LESSON:

Only your dentist can diagnose periodontal disease; although it may appear similar, it is far more serious than gingivitis (mild inflammation of the gums), Tomkins says. For patients with diabetes or heart conditions, Veisman advises visits every three to four months, "And of course, you have to be vigilant in keeping the mouth extremely clean," she says.


....cont.

A MISSING TOOTH......

Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches.

Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result.

Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing missing teeth with bridges or dental implants